Abstract: A floating structure to support maritime operations is constituted by a metallic platform, in the shape of an internally open square (10) floating in the ocean being moored to the bottom of the ocean by a cable system (C.sub.1, C.sub.2, C.sub.3 . . . C.sub.n) tied to a pile system (E.sub.1, E.sub.2, E.sub.3 . . . E.sub.n). It retains in its interior a portion of the sea which is communicated to the outside ocean through an opening (11) in the walls of the said metallic platform (10) in such a way that, in that confined part of the ocean, the support boats to the sea work, may be moored due to the fact the interior of the open square is calm in respect to the rough sea outside the structure (10).

Abstract: Directed to a floating dock system of improved stability and load carrying capacity with a clean, uncluttered profile. The system is made of rectangular, modular main dock units having preferably cylindrical steel tanks or floats rigidly attached in parallel relation and supporting a deck structure. Individual units are attached together by hinges at the ends and have finger pier units, also preferably having cylindrical steel tanks or floats supporting a deck structure attached along the sides of the main dock units, as by hinges, so as to form mooring slips therebetween. The main dock units may have a utility trench built into the decking therealong which permit inspection thereof and may have transformers mounted on each unit to provide power sources of equivalent capacity along the entire main dock system.

Abstract: A multi-element floating dock has shock-absorbing flexible tieing elements which are installed as a unit without any manual adjustment being required to create a pretension in the shock-absorbing components. Elastomeric pads positioned in aligned cavities formed in the edges of the dock sections receive the ends of the flexible tieing elements. Stops located on the ends of the tieing elements engage the pads so that adjacent dock sections cannot be separated from one another without compressing the pads and thereby creating a compressibly yieldable restraint against the separation of the dock sections and preventing their being separated from one another past a predetermined limit. An elastomeric spacer located between adjacent dock sections provides a compressibly yieldable restraint against moving the dock sections toward one another and prevents them from coming closer to one another than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A foldaway floating dock for use on a body of water includes a plurality of floatable dock sections and a frame for interconnecting the dock sections. The frame includes an arrangement for slidably supporting each of the dock sections for movement away from and toward an adjacent dock section. The frame further includes an arrangement for facilitating pivotal movement of each dock section through 90.degree. relative to an adjacent dock station. The arrangement for facilitating pivotal movement is operable only when a dock section is spaced from an adjacent dock section, thereby allowing a folding of the dock sections one upon the other.

Abstract: A buoyant module which is useful in the construction of modular docks, marinas and the like is fabricated by providing a buoyant member and applying a protective sheet over a portion of the member, and pumping a fiber-reinforced concrete layer over one face of the buoyant member. Structural rods extending through the layer are interconnected with peripheral whalers, which in turn permit the buoyant member--concrete layer combination to be joined together with similar modules in a unitary, low cost and facile construction.

Abstract: A floating dock includes a plurality of float modules comprised of containers having opposing walls, a deck with opposing edges mounted in spaced relationship above the float modules, and a pair of wales extending along opposing walls of the float modules and opposing edges of the deck. Compression rods extend between the wales and act on the pair of wales such that the compression rods exert compression force on the float modules and deck. A compression beam or plywood panel extends between the opposing walls of the container below the compression rod to create a box beam in combination with the wales and deck, therefore rigidifying the dock to enhance its portability on land and wave resistance properties in water. The float modules are spaced apart longitudinally of the dock to allow wave transparency and wash space for debris. The space between the deck and float modules forms a passageway for utility conduits.

Abstract: A floatable and sinkable concrete modular structure for making a wharf. The wharf is made of adjacent hollow shells in which water can be introduced or withdrawn by a low air pressure blower. The shells are fluidly interconnected by a piping system between the bottom of one shell with the upper part of the adjacent shell for progressingly tilting the wharf.

Abstract: Polyethylene float drums are constructed as modules, in various configurations, and then assembled into various modular systems to float a variety of structures. All float drum modules utilize at least one flat, perpendicular side wall to insure accurate assembly of the float drum modules into a flanged load bearing modular float assembly having desired float characteristics.

Abstract: Vertically adjustable floating dock units for mooring boats are adapted to be vertically adjustable relative to the water line. The floating dock unit contains a detachable pontoon mounting assembly to which pontoons are secured and the assembly is removably secured to the dock understructure at variable vertical height adjustments.

Abstract: A floating dock includes a plurality of float modules comprised of containers having opposing walls, a deck with opposing edges mounted in spaced relationship above the float modules, and a pair of wales extending along opposing walls of the float modules and opposing edges of the deck. Compression rods extend between the wales and act on the pair of wales such that the compression rods exert compression force on the float modules and deck. A compression beam or plywood panel extends between the opposing walls of the container below the compression rod to create a box beam in combination with the wales and deck, therefore rigidifying the dock to enhance its portability on land and wave resistance properties in water. The float modules are spaced apart longitudinally of the dock to allow wave transparency and wash space for debris. The space betwen the deck and float modules forms a passageway for utility conduits.

Abstract: A marina having a main walk buoyantly supported on main flotation elements, with the main walk providing access to one or more finger sections buoyantly supported on finger flotation elements. The main walk and the finger sections are each formed from spaced frame members having sunken shoulders which support transversely extending deck elements which define walking surfaces flush with the frame members. Each main frame member may be formed from a plurality of main frame elements disposed in end-to-end abutment. Each pair of main frame elements is joined by a structural element having spaced main frame plates which may engage each main frame member of the main walk. The main frame plates may be interconnected at their edges by a tying member which extends below the main walk.

Abstract: A pontoon for supporting a dock structure in the water includes a core member of buoyant material encased in a plastic closure member. Bottom and top walls of substantially the same dimensions are substantially parallel with each other and are interconnected by slightly rounded sidewalls. The thickness of the pontoon is substantially reduced with respect to its width. The core is advantageously made of extruded styrofoam and attached to the dock structure by through bolting.

Abstract: A multi-element floating dock has shock-absorbing flexible tieing elements which are installed as a unit without any manual adjustment being required to create a pretensionin the shock-absorbing components. Elastomeric pads positioned in aligned cavities formed in the edges of the dock sections receive the ends of the flexible tieing elements. Stops located on the ends of the tieing elements engage the pads so that adjacent dock sections cannot be separated from one another without compressing the pads and thereby creating a compressibly yieldable restraint against the separation of the dock sections and preventing their being separated from one another past a predetermined limit. An elastomeric spacer located between adjacent dock sections provides a compressibly yieldable restraint against moving the dock sections toward one another and prevents them from coming closer to one another then a predetermined amount.

Abstract: Floating docks units adapted to float freely in water as floating docks for mooring boats, comprising a longitudinal box beam understructure supported by a flotation unit integrally secured to the box beam member. The floating dock unit further contains an upper plank deck comprising a plurality of planks secured diagonally to the longitudinal box beam member. The diagonal planks in combination with the unitary understructure of the box beam integrally secured to the formed metal flotation unit provides substantially increased strength and structural integrity to the floating dock unit.

Abstract: Polyethylene float drums are constructed as modules, in various configurations, and then assembled into various modular systems to float a variety of structures. All float drum modules utilize at least one flat, perpendicular side wall to insure accurate assembly of the float drum modules into a flanged load bearing modular float assembly having desired float characteristics.

Abstract: A rapid boat docking and efficient loading/unloading apparatus is provided that utilizes an attachment system. The attachment system also serves as a gangplank in the preferred embodiment to attach the boat to the dock. The principal forces required to attach the boat to the dock are optionally part of the boat itself in the form of an air lifting system that holds the boat at a level higher than its waterline at rest so long as an air blower is in operation that supplies pressurized air to a chamber or recess on the underside of the boat. As blower power is reduced, the boat settles into its docking slip with the attachment system. The attachment system is located preferably at the bow on each side of the boat, and comes into contact with the dock as the boat lowers. In the preferred embodiment, attachment arms which are part of the boat have a half cylindrical track on their underside which fit into a mating socket track on the dock.

Abstract: A floating dock for a small vessel has a generally flat buoyant member whose front end is narrower than its rear end. A large indentation extends into the rear end of the buoyant member for receiving the nose of the vessel. When two or more of the buoyant members are attached together with the wider end facing outward, they combine to form a larger floating dock in the shape of a polygon. In one form, the buoyant member is formed of three inflatable rings within an A-shaped or a triangular envelope. There is a space between two of the rings. The envelope has a cut-out portion above the space between the spaced-apart rings to create an indentation to receive the nose of the vessel.

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 floating dock includes a plurality of float modules comprised of containers having opposing walls, a deck with opposing edges mounted in spaced relationship above the float modules, and a pair of wales extending along opposing walls of the float modules and opposing edges of the dock. Compression rods extend between the wales above the modules and act on the pair of wales such that the compression rods exert compression force on the float modules and deck. A compression beam extends between the opposing walls of the container below the compression rod to create a box beam in combination with the wales and deck, therefore rigidifying the dock to enhance its portability on land and wave resistance properties in water. The float modules are spaced apart longitudinally of the dock to allow wave transparency and wash space for debris.

Abstract: Arrangement for interconnecting concrete pontoons for small boat harbors, fish raising plants and the like, are subjected to very severe stresses as a result of wave movements and the like. In order to obtain a more safe and reliable interconnecting arrangement at least one side or end of each pontoon (1) has two bumper surfaces (11AF, 12AF) spaced from each other and adapted to face against and cooperate with corresponding two bumper surfaces (11BF, 12BF) on another pontoon (2). Between the respective bumper surfaces on two interconnected pontoons there is mounted a fender (11, 12) which is compressed with a significant degree of prestressing. One pontoon (1) has two symmetric and laterially located attachment members (17, 18) each for .ang. separate tension element (13, 14). The other pontoon (2) has an attachment member (15) centrally between its bumper surfaces (11BF, 12BF) for the common anchoring of both tension elements (13, 14).

Abstract: A boat dock assembly for retrievable extension into a body of water comprises a base section secured to the shore, a plurality of dock sections pivotally secured in an end-to-end relation by connecting hinges, legs attached to the forward end of each dock section for supporting the dock section above the surface of the body of water, and a rail system for rolling the dock sections out of the body of water by pivoting each dock section in one direction about the respective dock hinge into a spiral configuration adjacent the base, commencing with the last dock section, and for unrolling the dock sections from the spiral configuration into the body of water by sequentially pivoting each dock section in the opposite direction about the dock hinges, commencing with the first dock section. The legs which are longer than the dock sections to which they are attached have at least one knee joint to permit the legs to fold when the dock sections are rolled into the spiral configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus which utilizes precut, coated fiber canvases, vertical and horizontal support elements, multiple rotatable couplings and detachable shoe-like receptacles, together with lacing rope and other miscellaneous hardware, to provide a shelter for a boat secured in a floating dock. The modular structure and unique design of the apparatus permits it to be easily and quickly erected or dismantled, on site, using only a set of Allen Wrenches. Each of the partially preassembled vertical support elements is unfolded and reenforced on the site with a lateral support member and a pair of angular truss members. Multiple numbers of these vertical support elements are then interconnected by three precut horizontal truss members and two precut horizontal roof support members to produce whatever length of dock cover is required.

Abstract: The present invention defines methods of forming a non-skid surface on a base member, wherein the base member may consist of a wood, plastic, metal or concrete surface structure. One method includes applying one or more coats or layers of epoxy resin to one surface of a wood base member. After the epoxy resin is set, a first coat of polyurethane is applied thereover at a thickness determined by the size of the grit material that is disseminated in the first coat of polyurethane, whereby the upper portion of the grit is exposed so as to be covered by a second polyurethane coat applied over the first coat of polyurethane, the grit being locked within and between the two coats of polyurethane. An additional method includes the step of affixing a fiber/cement panel to the base member and applying the first polyurethane coat to the surface of the fiber/cement panel, followed thereafter by the grit and the second coat of polyurethane, whereby a non-skid surface is established thereon.

Abstract: An improved floating dock/marina system having a monocoque-type frame structure. The embodiments disclosed include a dock structure defined by a main walkway section and a plurality of extended finger sections which are formed having longitudinal side-beam members, known as walers, that are interconnected by a plurality of spaced, transverse, beam members and a longitudinal center-beam structure. Various arrangements are provided for the beam structure, the transverse beam members and/or the longitudinal center-beam structure being formed having a height greater than the height of the waler side-beam members, whereby a crowning arrangement is defined. A decking is employed which comprises sheets of plywood which are attached to the framework. The crowning arrangement creates a central raised portion in the deck, the opposite sides of the deck being sloped downwardly and outwardly.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a dock that is relatively easily assembled and disassembled. The dock comprises a number of dock sections, each of which is provided with a leg portion that engages the bottom of a lake or body of water. The opposite end of each dock section from the leg portion thereof is engaged with a preceding dock section by a locking system that facilitates erection of the dock system and maintenance thereof in the assembled condition.

Abstract: The device is a floating pier with a sliding pile anchoring system arrangnt that avoids rigid connections to the pier and allows the pier to rise and lower with the tides and to remain level during lateral displacement while avoiding substantial tilt or rotation of the pier during seismic and maximum static loading. Preferably, piles that are arranged in pairs and are spaced along the centerline of the floating pier ride in pile guide assemblies attached to the pier deck, and include shear fail means which operate during overload conditions.

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 boathouse loading device for loading a boat out of a body of water and into a boathouse, using in part the motive power of the boat. The device includes a pivotable, slidable carriage for receiving the hull of a boat, outriggers for stabilizing the boat during its movement, a tensionable latching mechanism for initially inhibiting movement of the carriage and a winch for sliding the carriage and for tensioning the latching mechanism.

Abstract: A ramp apparatus which provides access from a pier to a moored floating dock. The ramp is attached at its upper end by means of a double gimbel joint so as to permit the lateral and vertical motion of the dock and ramp. The lower end of the ramp is provided with wheels for permitting limited motion of the ramp over the dock surface. Also disclosed is a means for providing additional stability for the ramp particularly for wider ramps.

Abstract: A pontoon utilizing a container having a bottom portion and side portions which extend upwardly from the bottom. The top of the container is covered by a cap which may be moldable material, such as concrete. The cap is held to the container forming a pontoon.

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: The present invention defines two methods of forming a non-skid-surfaced wood panel, preferably plywood, which is treated with various coats or layers of epoxy resin, together with a finished surface coat of polyurethane combined with a hard-grit abrasive material evenly spread within the surface coat, so as to provide the non-skid substance that establishes a unique and wear-resistant structure for areas subjected to heavy foot traffic, the invention being particularly suitable for use on decking in marine environments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dock connector for connecting two adjacent floating docks. The dock connectors are designed to accommodate substantial lateral, vertical and end-to-end relative motion between the docks. The dock connector includes mounting plates which are securely fastened to each dock segment and a spring which spans between and connects the two mounting plates. Spring connection means are provided to securely attach the ends of the spring to the mounting plates. Deflection limiters attached to the mounting plates help to support the spring and to prevent it from becoming sprung by over-deflection.

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: A wheeled boat trailer of the type used to tow a boat to a body of water is provided with a walkway leading to a dock ramp hingedly coupled to the rear end of the trailer for rearward extension into the body of water after the boat has been launched. Downwardly extendable support legs are mounted to the end of the dock ramp furthest from the trailer to support the dock ramp above the water surface. A pulley mounted atop a mast removably secured to the trailer near the rear portion thereof allows a conventional front-mounted trailer winch to elevate the dock ramp while the trailer is backed into or pulled from the water. When not in use, the dock ramp may be pivoted about its hinged coupling to a stowed position extending forwardly across the trailer. The dock ramp may be positioned along the longitudinal axis of the trailer, and the underside of the dock ramp may incorporate rollers for engaging and supporting the keel of the boat when the dock ramp is in the stowed position.

Abstract: An anchor which secures a floating boat dock in position and which can be installed and removed easily from the dock for seasonal use. A base is permanently installed on the bottom of a lake and has a spherical ball projecting upwards from the base. A post has a socket formed in the bottom end which is provided with a pivotally mounted flap for capturing and releasing the spherical ball therein to removably mount the post on the base. A lever is attached to the upper end of the post and is connected to the flap for moving it between open and closed position. The post is loosely connected to the dock permitting limited movement of the dock with respect to the post. The post is movable on the spherical ball of the base permitting limited movement of the dock and post due to wave action reducing damage and fatigue on the anchor and dock.

Abstract: A connector for joining structural components which may be subjected to bending, shear, tensional and/or torsional forces at the joint is comprised of a fixture member spanning the joint between the structural components for coupling the same along a longitudinal connector axis generally normal to the joint, socket members disposed within each of the components to be joined and through which the fixture member passes, the sockets defining a shear pocket configured to receive a resilient shear cushion. The fixture member is preferably a compressive fixture member and includes resilient compression cushion members disposed intermediate the length thereof outwardly proximate the shear pocket and inwardly proximate adjustable compression members for establishing a compressive force across the joint. A bending cushion may be disposed at the joint between the structural components.

Abstract: A port ramp for access to a ship, having a first end supported by a quay and a second end rigidly supported by a float, the float being anchored by blocks to the bottom by a connection of selectively adjustable length, the maximum buoyancy of the float being at least equal to the weight of the ramp added to the maximum load thereon, so that, when the float is submerged, the height of the ramp above the surface is independent of the load on the ramp.

Abstract: A marine float structure comprising a float unit, a deck unit, and a framework of connecting members to which the float and deck units are secured. Both the float and deck units are formed by rotationally molding a suitable high strength, durable polymeric material such as cross linked, high density polyethylene. The float and deck units are single piece, hollow, buoyant, rectangular box shaped housings differing in their dimensions only in that the depth of the deck unit is substantially less than that of the float unit. The top wall of both the float and deck units is flanged with respect to the end and side walls. The two units are secured to the connecting members sandwiched between the flanges by means extending through apertures in the flanges. The float unit is preferably filled with a polyurethane or similar foam material. A plurality of marine float structures are interconnected to form a marine floating dock.

Abstract: A barge unloading terminal comprises a floating dock having platforms and a trough therebetween, a carrier in the nature of a plurality of rings is positioned within the trough, a barge is secured within the carrier, both the carrier and barge are adapted to ride upwardly along a ramp on one side of the trough, a plurality of hoppers in the one of the platforms, an A-frame on the platforms spanning the trough, and cables attached to the carrier at their ends and to a power source at their opposite ends whereby operation of the power source causes the carrier and barge to rise out of the trough and water and roll upwardly along the ramp to a point where the contents of the barge are discharged into the hoppers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to process modules designed for interconnection during shipment as well as installation. The process modules may be of a single deck design adapted to be stacked and transported on specially designed ships, as in LASH vessels, or the process modules may be of a design that is connectable to a specially designed ship as a part of the ship's hull. Fabrication of the process modules is performed at a shipyard facility. The completely fabricated modules are transportable in an assembled manner to a remote plant site aboard a LASH barge vessel or other special vessel where the modules are again assemblied either as a floating or land-based process plant installation.

Abstract: A slidably assembled dock is described having spaced facing side channels slidably receiving platform modules, the edges of said modules being within said channels, and the channels being tied together by elongated eye bolt elements which extend through the positioned platform modules. The platform modules have an upper layer notched at the edge to fit smoothly with the channel upper flanges, a lower layer resting on the channels, and connector stringers therebetween.

Abstract: A system for anchoring a large number of interconnected mooring floats in either deep or shallow bodies of water. The system includes a grid of post-tensioned cables positioned beneath the floats and a number of anchoring lines extending between the grid and attachment fixtures forming part of the floats. The anchoring lines are symmetrically secured to the floats so that a force exerted by a line in one direction is opposed by an equal force exerted by another line in the opposite direction. Further, the angles of the anchoring lines with respect to the horizontal are maintained relatively small to minimize the downward force on the float exerted by the tension in the lines. A plurality of spaced apart weights are secured to the anchoring lines to maintain the tension of the lines as the floats rise and fall responsive to tidal changes. The attachment fixtures are formed by tubes extending vertically through the floats adjacent their edges receiving a chain connected to an anchoring line.

Abstract: A pile hoop for slidably securing the end of a mainwalk or finger float to a marine pile. The pile hoop includes a cylindrical pipe forming a semicircular portion terminating in a pair of parallel legs. A rub shoe extending between the legs allows the semicircular portion and legs to completely surround the pile. The legs are inserted into respective tubes imbedded in the ends of the mainwalk or finger float. Tie rods extending transversely through the float pass through at least a portion of each tube and leg to secure the hoop to the float.

Abstract: A ship to shore bridge is movable between a stowed position in which it is received in a recess formed in a quay face and effectively forms a continuation of the quay face along the length of the recess, so that the quay can be used in normal manner, and an operative position in which the ship end of the bridge is moved out of the recess by slewing of the bridge about its shore end, so that the bridge can provide access from the quay to a bow or stern door of a ship berthed alongside the remainder of the quay.

Abstract: A cargo handling equipment comprises a stationary column installed offshore of a river or a creek, a stationary bridge bridging the shore of said river or creek and said stationary column and provided with a cargo transportation apparatus, a movable bridge swingably connected to the stationary column and provided with another cargo transportation apparatus, and a floating body detachably secured to the free end of the movable bridge and provided with legs which are vertically movable and can reach the bottom of the river or the creek.

Abstract: A floating concrete dock comprised of floating units such as headers and fingers with the fingers depending outwardly from headers and connected to one another by continuous hinges. Each floating unit includes a deck portion and a pair of stem portions depending downwardly from the lower surface and spaced inwardly from the side edges of the deck portion and defining a double-T (channel beam) section with a channel between the stem portions, and buoyancy material disposed in the channel. The deck portion and the stem portions have longitudinal tension rods for maintaining the entire floating unit under longitudinal compression.

Abstract: A lightweight concrete float having a concrete shell surrounding either a hollow or buoyant foam core. The shell includes a deck surrounded by integrally formed, downwardly projecting side walls of sturdy but relatively heavy standard aggregate concrete and a bottom surrounded by integrally formed, upwardly projecting uniform or tapered side walls of lightweight but relatively weak foam aggregate concrete. Reinforcing rods are embedded along the edges of the deck, and a reinforcing mesh extends around the reinforcing rods and through the deck, side walls and bottom. The float may be formed by first pouring a layer of foam aggregate concrete into a form having a rectangular bottom surrounded by four sides. A block of buoyant foam is then placed on the bottom layer of concrete with the sides of the block spaced apart from the sides of the form. The space between the sides of the form and the sides of the block is partially filled with foam aggregate concrete.

Abstract: Structure for berthing marine craft, yachts and the like, comprises longitudinal beams supporting transverse boards for walking on. A retaining strip of L-shaped cross section covers the end edges of the boards and is secured to the beams by nut and bolt assemblies that pass through the beams and retaining strips and serve as distance pieces between adjacent boards. A wooden wale is also bordered along its upper edge by the downwardly depending flange of the retaining strip. Central portions of the boards are pressed upwardly against the restraining influence of the retaining strips, to maintain the boards regular under all conditions, and also to strengthen the boards by prestressing them.

Abstract: A caisson structure facilitating communication between a ship and a quay comprises a displacement unit having ballasting members, and a first housing located at one end of the displacement structure and having sufficient height to reach above high tide water level, even when the displacement unit rests upon the harbor bottom. This housing has a platform, from which a ramp extends at least to a second housing at the opposite end of the displacement unit. The second housing comprises machinery for raising and lowering the adjacent end of the ramp, as this is required to facilitate access to the ship with changing tide water levels.