Float Assembly Patents (Class 114/266)
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Patent number: 11939032Abstract: Provided is a floating foundation for supporting a wind power generation system including a stabilized power cable. In one embodiment, the floating foundation includes a column extending upwardly and couplable at a top end thereof to a base of the wind turbine, at least one power cable for exporting power generated from the wind turbine to another floating foundation or to an offshore/onshore station, and a plurality of buoyancy modules disposed along the at least one power cable. Power cables between a plurality of floating foundations and/or power station may be supported by buoyant modules such that the power cable is located in an optimal submergence range of the water body in which the floating foundations are deployed.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2021Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: VL Offshore, LLCInventors: Sung Youn Boo, Steffen A. Shelley
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Patent number: 11932359Abstract: The invention relates to a floating module (1) comprising a plurality of walls (2) extending between a first longitudinal end (4) and a second longitudinal end (6), the floating module (1) comprising a first partition (8) and a second partition (10) connecting each wall (2) of the plurality of walls, defining an internal volume (12) of the floating module (1), characterized in that the floating module (1) comprises at least one extension (14) emerging from an external face (16) of the wall (2), the extension (14) extending longitudinally in projection from the first longitudinal end (4) or from the second longitudinal end (6), the extension (14) and the wall (2) being materially integral. The invention also relates to a method for joining a first floating module (3) and a second floating module (5).Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2019Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: SAFIER INGENIERIEInventor: Elchanan Safier
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Patent number: 11745837Abstract: A storage structure is configured to be buoyant or retained above a water line. The storage structure includes a frame having a back beam, a left beam attached to the back beam, a right beam attached to the back beam and a front beam attached to the left beam and the right beam to form a substantially rectangular configuration, wherein prior to a last of the beams being secured together an interior space accessible through an opening. The storage structure includes a bladder configured to be positioned through the interior space though the opening wherein the bladder is sized to be retained within the interior space whether the storage structure is above the water line or buoyant, the bladder including a vent, a fill port and a drain wherein an amount of water within the bladder is manipulated to provide ballast or buoyancy to the storage structure.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2021Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: Zierke Built Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Gregory M. Zierke
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Patent number: 11649600Abstract: A dock stabilizing pile guide device includes a frame attached to a floating dock and enclosing a respective piling. The frame carries a plurality of rollers that rotatably interengage the piling and guide the dock upwardly and downwardly along the piling as the depth of the underlying water changes.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2021Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Inventor: William Golden
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Patent number: 11371200Abstract: A composite floating dock system comprised of one or more dock float components, with each dock float component having a dock frame and one or more floats attached thereto, with each of the dock float components constructed of fiberglass reinforced plastic into a single monolithic unit, and being ballasted with encased concrete.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2020Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Inventor: Bruce D. Fournier
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Patent number: 11260942Abstract: A modular interlocking flotation assembly for selective creation of a raft includes a plurality of shells. Each of a plurality of couplers is coupled to a respective shell so that the shells of the plurality of shells are selectively interconnectable in a substantially planar configuration. The plurality of shells thus interconnected is configured to function selectively a raft and a portable dock.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2019Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Inventor: Lonny Heeter
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Patent number: 11186348Abstract: A floating structure having at least one row of floating rectangular parallelepipedal modular blocks, one block having four vertical peripheral faces that meet at four vertical edges, each vertical edge bearing an assembly lug in which an assembly system can be received in order to join the block to one or more adjacent blocks, each row having a plurality of blocks joined to one another by assembly systems arranged in two diagonally opposite lugs of each block, with the exception of two end blocks, the floating structure being configured so that each block is joined to an adjacent block by a single assembly lug.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2020Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: CUBISYSTEMInventor: Philippe Veyrieres
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Patent number: 11174637Abstract: To provide a prestressed concrete which can be used for non-primary structural members such as general building members by using a chemical stress induced by an expansive material and a mechanical stress induced by a rust-resistant wire together and achieving reduction in weight and suppression of cracking. A prestressed concrete for non-primary structural members is characterized in that a mechanical stress induced by a tensional material and a chemical stress induced by an expansive material for a concrete are introduced and that the tensional material is a rust-resistant continuous fiber reinforcing wire.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2015Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: HPC OKINAWA CO., LTD.Inventors: Masaki Ahagon, Ken Iida, Yoneo Oshiro, Hiromi Nishizono, Yuuoh Mino, Jin Hosoya, Hirotaka Higashionna, Nobuo Shimegi, Shunji Ariga
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Patent number: 11072400Abstract: A housing arrangement for floating on water is provided with a plurality of interconnected pontoons—The pontoons have a polygon outline. A plurality of shipping containers are arranged on each of the pontoons. The shipping containers are habitable by providing at least one door and at least one window in the shipping containers and by insulating the walls of the shipping containers. A plurality of gangways interconnects the pontoons.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2018Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: UDVIKLING DANMARK A/SInventor: Kim Loudrup
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Patent number: 11027798Abstract: In summation, the invention is a design to connect float modules (2) to each other and/or to assembly units and/or to the superstructure. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is applied for pontoons (1) constructed of concrete float modules (2), where prismatic float modules (2) minimally include a monolithic upper plate (3), side walls (4) and/or frame units (6) arranged along the edges (5) of the float module (2) and float modules (2) are fixed to each other by means of longitudinal tension units (15) led through said float modules (2). For tension units (15), boreholes (8) are created in the side walls (4) or the frame units (6) of the float module (2) minimum at the edges (5) of the upper plate of the prism, intersecting the prism and running parallel with the edges (5). In particular cases, directional recesses (14) are created around the exit holes (9) of boreholes (8) with skew axes (Tx, Ty, Tz), running in different directions and meeting in the corners of float modules (2).Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2016Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Inventor: Gyula Pompor
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Patent number: 10967941Abstract: A waler assembly for floating docks and walkways includes an elongate metal extrusion for engaging the side of a series of adjoining float components. The extrusion includes a compartment for conformably receiving an elongate wedge. Connector rods join the extrusion and wedge to the float components. The extrusion carries an elongate strengthening plate that extends across the compartment of the extrusion. Each of the extrusion, wedge and strengthening plate includes a plurality of discrete segments that are aligned end to end. The joints between adjoining segments of the waler assembly are offset to provide improved structural integrity of the waler assembly and the floating dock or walkway.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2019Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Inventors: William Golden, Mark Summers, Robert W. Christoph, Jr.
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Patent number: 10967937Abstract: A safety access system for use on floats, typically in the field of water and wastewater treatment, the system including rotatable and removable handrails and sockets attached to the float to receive the handrails.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2019Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc.Inventors: James A. Knight, William G. Decker
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Patent number: 10961719Abstract: A decking clip to allow a plurality of decking members to be attached relative to a support assembly, the decking clip including an elongate plastic body strip having a body length, the body provided with a number of openings to receive fasteners there through to attach the body relative to the support assembly; a number of upstands spaced over the body length and extending substantially perpendicularly from the body strip, substantially transversely to the body length; each upstand having at least two opposed decking board engagement arms, a first decking board engagement arm extending from a first lateral side of each upstand at an acute angle and a second decking board engagement arm extending from a second lateral side of each upstand at an acute angle, each upstand and/or engagement arm being resiliently deformable to allow portion of a decking board to pass and to retain the decking board relative to the support assembly in a spaced apart, non-overlapping configuration.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2018Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: KLEVAKLIP SYSTEMS PTY LTD.Inventors: Greg James Doupe, Stephen Ley Sanders
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Patent number: 10654546Abstract: A sustainable floating community based on a mass-produced modular, pre-fabricated kit of parts referred to as floating modular units. The floating modular units are designed to allow for various needs while remaining simple to deliver and assemble by hand in remote destinations prone to volatile shifts in water levels and currents. The floating modular units are ready to assemble, can be erected for use on land and bodies of water, are easily collapsible for transport, thereby serving as highly adaptable transportable structures.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2018Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Inventor: Charles I. Wee
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Patent number: 10633061Abstract: An inflatable ride-on water toy comprising a stylized body that is connected to a separately inflated safety ring using a variety of configurations.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2016Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Inventor: Walter David Dial, III
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Patent number: 10442504Abstract: A safety access system for use on floats, typically in the field of water and wastewater treatment, the system including rotatable and removable handrails and sockets attached to the float to receive the handrails.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2018Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc.Inventors: James A. Knight, William G. Decker
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Patent number: 10370812Abstract: Embodiments of a modular flotation section include a utility trough molded into an upper end of the modular flotation section that extends an entire end-to-end distance of the modular flotation section. The utility trough has an open top end level with a top surface of the modular flotation section, opposing sidewalls that extend downward from the top surface, a closed bottom end, and two opposing open side ends. A depth and width of the utility trough is less than, respectively, a total height and width of the modular flotation section. Electrical cables, water lines, or a combination of the two may be placed within the trough, thereby isolation the cables and lines from the dock frame.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2017Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Inventor: Justin Thompson
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Patent number: 10337549Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a nut and tie rod assembly which includes a composite material tie rod defining a main shaft with an exterior surface. The tie rod is formed from reinforcing fibers encapsulated within a matrix material, and at least a portion of the exterior surface of the shaft defines an engagement structure. The assembly also includes at least one nut which includes an internal cavity with an interior surface defining an engagement structure which is complimentary to the engagement structure defined on the exterior surface of the shaft of the tie rod.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2015Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignees: Pultron Composites Limited, Bellingham Marine IndustriesInventors: Martijn Bakker, Peter Granville Holdsworth, Peter Louis Renshaw
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Patent number: 10286984Abstract: Floating element (1) for realizing floating structures for supporting photovoltaic panels and method for producing said floating element (1). The floating element (1) comprises: a first element (2) which can be obtained by injection moulding, which configures a first coupling portion (3); a second element (4) which can be obtained by injection moulding, which configures a second coupling portion (5). The first element (2) and the second element (4) are mutually configured so that the first coupling portion (3) and the second coupling portion (5) can be seal-coupled with respect to each other so that they define a sealed chamber, when coupled.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2016Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: NRG ENERGIA S.R.L.Inventors: Loris Seravalli, Simone Pausini
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Patent number: 10267003Abstract: A pile guide having a planar flange. The planar flange is connected to a collar. The collar is constructed and arranged to receive a pile through an opening in the collar. The collar extends above and below the planar flange, and is formed of high density polyethylene.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2017Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Inventors: Sean A. Barnes, Neal Black
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Patent number: 10252777Abstract: The present invention provides a controllable float module for a modular offshore support structure assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2016Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Inventor: Trevor M. Hardcastle
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Patent number: 10138638Abstract: A deck covering system is provided. The deck covering system is designed to be installed on existing decks to provide a new working surface for decks that have begun to deteriorate, to provide additional protection to existing decks, to provide enhanced function and appearance to decks, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2017Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Inventor: Stephen Deady
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Patent number: 10097131Abstract: Disclosed are modular floating platforms configured to be joined together to form a cover over surfaces of natural and artificial bodies of water and other liquids, for reducing evaporation and other purposes. The floating platforms may be motorized and provided with remote control systems, so that the platforms may be assembled together on command to provide uniform coverage of the surface of the body of water. The floating platforms are optionally capable of solar and wind power collection. The platforms are useful for covering mining tailing storage ponds.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2015Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONAInventors: Moe Momayez, Nathan Barba
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Patent number: 9944369Abstract: A stretchable pillowcase with an inflatable pillow or bladder having an attached pouch that can be folded onto itself and enclose the pillow and cover therein during non-usage. But, the pillow and case can be removed from the pouch, the pillow inflated, to provide a cushion use of the pillow for comfort, and to use as a flotation device, for recreational purposes. The pillow is made of a water-proof and inflatable material, such as polymer and rubber, and the case may be formed of a resilient fabric material. Its pouch likewise, is fabricated from an expandable material, to allow it to fold onto itself, and enclose the pillow and case therein, once the former has been deflated. The pillow in this case may contain a bladder, internally thereof, and which can be inflated with air under pressure to add to its comfortable usage. And, a series of the cases may be interlinked together into the formation for multiple shapes and sizes such as a raft, to provide full body support.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Inventor: Kurt S Sellmeyer
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Patent number: 9902464Abstract: Semi-submersibles are subjected to loading from waves, causing racking, longitudinal shear and parallelogramming, or differential movement of the pontoons. The cyclic wave loading makes the various connections, where stress concentrations occur, susceptible to fatigue damage throughout the hull structure. This is most evident at the connections between the braces and the main hull structure. A revised brace to main hull connection with reduced bending stiffness is employed to reduce the moment being transferred from the brace to the hull, thereby reducing the bending stress and susceptibility to fatigue damage. This improved connection employs an internal member to transfer the loads between the brace and hull structure mainly as tension and compression. As a consequence of the improved fatigue performance, the structural weight of the connection can be greatly reduced, thus increasing the capacity with which the semi-submersible hull can operate.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2017Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Inventors: Roy Cottrell, Barton Grasso, Frank Strachan, Jose H. Vazquez
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Patent number: 9850149Abstract: The invention provides an integrated water treatment system suitable for use in the treatment of contaminated water, wastewater, potable water, aquaculture, industrial water and polluted water bodies. An integrated water treatment system according to at least one embodiment of the invention comprises a plurality of modules adapted to float in a body of water integrating a plurality of different attached growth biofilm media types positioned within a plurality of water flow paths and circulations. The conditions provided by a multiple of media types and plurality of flow paths creates a multiplier effect increasing the number of treatment zones and an increased diversity of interconnected treatment process zone types.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2012Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Biomatrix Water Solutions LimitedInventor: Galen Yarrow Fulford
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Patent number: 9849945Abstract: A floating support device (1) for a photovoltaic panel, includes: a structure (2) including coupling elements (3) for coupling to other floating devices in such a way as to allow a network (R) of floating devices to be formed; one or a plurality of floats (4), intended to ensure that the device does float, which are rigidly connected to the structure (2); and elements for holding at least one photovoltaic panel (P), and in which the structure is an element separate from the float(s) so as to allow forces to be transmitted between the floating devices of the network without transmitting the forces from the network to the float(s).Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2014Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: CIEL ET TERRE INTERNATIONALInventor: Alexis Gaveau
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Patent number: 9712108Abstract: Provided herein is a floating photovoltaic solar device designed to reduce the effect of wind forces without the use of external control or power. The device includes a floating anchored frame with a means for connecting an internal corded lattice; a corded lattice suspended within the floating frame and forming a set of polygonal cells in which independently floating solar photovoltaic modules are positioned. Access for scheduled and unscheduled maintenance may be provided by a floating service gantry. The system is modular and several devices may be connected in a honeycomb-like structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2014Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: Solaris Synergy (Israel) Ltd.Inventors: Yuri Kokotov, Yossi Fisher, Shlomo Caine
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Patent number: 9695556Abstract: A sealing panel device for use with a guillotine well having a length, width, and depth is provided. In some embodiments the device may comprise an elongate panel having a length and width that is greater than the length and width of the guillotine well. A first arm and a second arm may be coupled to the elongate panel. The first arm may comprise a width greater than the width of the guillotine well and a depth greater than the depth of the guillotine well. The second arm may comprise a width greater than the width of the guillotine well and a depth greater than the depth of the guillotine well. A sealing gasket may be coupled to the elongate panel, first arm, and second arm which may extend around the guillotine well when the device is positioned over the guillotine well of a Modular Causeway Systems section.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Inventor: Thomas Raymond Phillips
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Patent number: 9688364Abstract: A modular floatable dock section comprises a fluid bladder having substantially flat top and bottom surfaces, and a perimeter around the top and bottom surfaces. The fluid bladder is designed for being selectively inflated in a deployed condition and deflated (collapsed) for transport and storage. A generally rigid continuous-surface deck is mounted adjacent the top surface of the fluid bladder, and defines a deck perimeter substantially coincident with the perimeter of the fluid bladder.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: Patriot3, Inc.Inventors: Charles Louis Fuqua, Steven Scott Kahre
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Patent number: 9682747Abstract: Embodiments described generally relate to methods for assembling a modular floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel. A cargo module section, a forward module, and a rear module can be positioned and aligned with each other such that the cargo module section can be disposed between the forward module and the rear module. A plurality of connectors can be coupled together to secure the forward module and the cargo module section together and another plurality of connectors can be coupled together to secure the rear module and the cargo module section together. A first topside module can be installed onto or over an upper surface of the forward module and can include a flare tower, a turret, hydrocarbon production equipment, or any combination thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2015Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLCInventors: Upendra Malla, Krishnamurthy Karri
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Patent number: 9580156Abstract: A floating dock is provided. The floating dock has a buoyant core. The sidewalls of the buoyant core have grooves. A reinforcing truss is embedded in and extends through the grooves. The grooves may be filled with concrete.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2012Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: 0926084 B.C. Ltd.Inventors: Daniel Wittenberg, Lockhart Gordon McCallum, Robert William Richard Field
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Patent number: 9517820Abstract: The invention relates to a device for securing floating bodies (1), in particular platforms and boats, comprising at least one floating dock (2) with at least one buoyancy element (3), a path structure (4), and a framework-like underwater structure (5). In order to provide advantageous disembarkation conditions, the path structure (4) and the framework-like underwater structure (5) of the floating dock (2) are connected to each other via pendulum supports (6) and are braced via pulling means (7), in particular cables and/or claims.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2014Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: DUAL DOCKER GmbHInventor: Michael Fuhrmann
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Patent number: 9505468Abstract: A floating platform includes multiple flotation block elements arranged in a general grid pattern, and a structural body supported buoyantly by the flotation elements. An assemblage of floating platforms are joined by one or more connector elements each having a cylindrical body extending across a control joint between opposed sidewall surfaces of adjacent floating platforms. The cylindrical body has a first portion received within a first cylindrical disc assembly secured by a first clamp element and fixedly attached to a first of the opposed sidewall surfaces. The cylindrical body also has an opposite, second end portion received within a second cylindrical disc assembly secured by a second clamp element and fixedly attached to a second of the opposed sidewall surfaces, opposite to the first of the opposed sidewall surfaces. The cylindrical body may be a flexible, or the cylindrical body may be relatively stiff or rigid.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Inventor: E. Kevin Schopfer
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Patent number: 9487925Abstract: A guide to encircle a vertically extending pile and being connectable to a floating dock to allow vertical movement of the floating dock with respect to the encircled pile, which guide comprises a plurality of individual members carrying pile engaging rollers that are releasably assembled into a closed right angle configuration with the members remaining separate and distinct from each other to change the size of the assembled guide.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2015Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: Merco Inc.Inventors: Jon D. Meriwether, Daniel Louis Otto
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Patent number: 9476167Abstract: A semi-permanent walkway construction comprising multiple sections of walkway decking configured to be longitudinally connected by rail and splicer structure on lower surfaces of the decking. The rail and splicer structure is generally U-shaped and mates in a male/female fashion, with the rails downward-facing, and the splicers upward-facing with perforated bottom walls so that the rail and splicer structure buries itself in soft terrain to anchor the joined walkway sections. In a further form, a junction rail is provided to create a welding shelf to connect walkway sections in lateral and parallel configurations in addition to the longitudinal configuration provided by the rails and splicers.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Inventor: Gregory P. Welch
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Patent number: 9327873Abstract: A transport item of a body of foamed thermoset material is described having a density that varies across the thickness of the body with the greatest density being proximate an outer surface of the body.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: ORBIS CorporationInventor: Jason Frankenberg
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Patent number: 9273434Abstract: An assembly for budding a pre-fabricated modular boat dock structure is disclosed. The assembly is designed to be modular so it can be fabricated in a shop environment and then installed by assembling it on site. The assembly is further designed to enable the individual component modules to be powder coated prior to installation so that the pre-fabricated modular boat dock will be rust resistant and have a much longer expected lifespan than a custom boat dock which is built on site would have. The pre-fabricated modular boat dock structure has a pleasing aesthetic appearance after having been powder coated and is useful in extending the life of a boat dock structure used to shelter boats stored immediately adjacent to a body of water.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2014Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: B&R Construction, Inc.Inventor: Jack Allen Poff
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Patent number: 9249548Abstract: A floating cover for a waterway has a plurality of tubular structures. The plurality of tubular structures is attached widthwise together and extends over an approximate width of the waterway to cover the waterway to prevent water in the waterway from evaporating.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2015Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: Resource Conservation Development, LLCInventors: Richard Mitzen, Thomas Johnston
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Patent number: 9132889Abstract: A device (1) for supporting a photovoltaic panel essentially includes a sealed plastic jacket (2), the plastic jacket (2) forming a lower wall (3), an upper wall (4), and four sidewalls (5, 6, 7, 8), the device including elements for securing a photovoltaic panel to the upper wall (4) of the plastic jacket.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2012Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: CIEL ET TERRE INTERNATIONALInventors: Manuel Veloso, Alexis Gaveau
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Patent number: 9056660Abstract: A dock system including a collapsible frame, and method for assembling the dock system including collapsible frame are provided. A collapsible dock system includes a collapsible frame. The collapsible frame includes a first beam, a second beam, a cross-member, and a hinged bracket system. The cross-member system secures the first beam to the second beam. The hinged bracket system is selectively coupled to the first beam and the second beam in either a compact transport state in which the first beam is movable relative to the second beam or a fixed installation state in which the first beam is fixed relative to the second beam.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2014Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: Bellingham Marine Industries, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Boyce Mann, Mark Douglas Johnson, Tony Shelby Garrett, Jr.
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Publication number: 20150090173Abstract: A floating element is for forming a modularly constructed buoyancy system. The floating element is provided with a cavity. At least the first side face of the floating element is provided with at least one first cut-out which, at its first end, is connected to a first channel whose mouth is in a first coupling face, and which, at its second end, is connected to a second channel whose mouth is in a second coupling face. A buoyancy system is made up of a plurality of floating elements. A method is for forming such a buoyancy system.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2012Publication date: April 2, 2015Applicant: AKVADESIGN ASInventor: Anders Naess
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Patent number: 8978570Abstract: A lifting platform for use in a body of water has (a) a plurality of float modules, each float module having a buoyancy compartment, and each float module being attached to adjacent float modules by means of flexible joints; (b) at least one container disposed in each float module for retaining a buoyancy fluid; and (c) a discharge apparatus for discharging buoyancy fluid to the buoyancy compartments of the float modules, so as to fill each buoyancy compartment with buoyancy fluid, thereby causing the plurality of modules to float to a position at or near the surface of the body of water.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2013Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.Inventors: David C. Mauck, William Bryan, Ronald H. Garber, Clifford A. Jennings, Nicholas K. Miller, John Linn
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Patent number: 8955449Abstract: A dock assembly is made of floats and deck supports on top of the floats. The floats have upwardly opening channels in which utility conduits may be laid from above before the channels are closed by the deck supports. Whalers attached to the sides of the floats and deck supports connect adjacent floats to each other. Decking may be attached to the deck supports. Rods extending from side to side hold the whalers in place and fasten the deck supports to the floats.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2012Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Global Dock and Marina Systems, LLCInventor: Paul Patrick Falcone
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Patent number: 8920061Abstract: The coupling includes first gripping members which are connected, facing on one and the same level on corresponding mounting bodies, to respective structures, and second gripping members mounted so as to slide vertically on the first gripping members in order to secure pneumatic covers in two diametrically opposed regions thereof with the collaboration of threaded rods. The gripping members and provide retention walls that extend towards the mounting bodies by means of horizontal retention flanges. The second gripping members have walls with holes for the passage of screws during fitting thereof to the mounting bodies.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Espanola de Plataformas Marinas, S.L.Inventor: Andres Quinta Cortinas
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Publication number: 20140326359Abstract: A modular hollow block structure (1) includes: a plurality of hollow block members (2) made by rotational moulding a plastic material into a hollow right parallelepiped shape, with two or more cylindrical holes (4) passing transversely through the hollow block members (2); and at least one connecting post (6) passing through the cylindrical holes (4) in adjacent hollow block members (2), and that includes a securing device (8) whereby it can be secured to the hollow block members (2) once fitted.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2012Publication date: November 6, 2014Inventor: Michael Hebden BENNETT
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Publication number: 20140299033Abstract: An improved barge system comprises a barge with a connecting system built into the barge. The connecting system includes several recessed areas about the periphery of the barge with upper and lower rails about the peripheral edges of the barge. A vertical post having a lower connecting member and an upper connecting member is attached within the recessed area for rotation into position to connect the upper and lower connecting members to adjacent upper and lower rails on the adjacent barges. Wedge blocks attached outwardly on adjacent rails each receive a wedge in the gap between the respective wedge block and a connecting member. Spacer blocks improve parallel alignment of the connected barges.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Inventor: William P. Rochfort
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Publication number: 20140216324Abstract: A floating (buoyant) platform includes multiple flotation block elements arranged in a general grid pattern, and a structural body supported buoyantly by the floatation elements. An assemblage of floating platforms are joined by one or more connector elements each having a cylindrical body extending across a control joint between opposed sidewall surfaces of adjacent floating platforms. The cylindrical body has a first portion received within a first cylindrical disc assembly secured by a first clamp element and fixedly attached to a first of the opposed sidewall surfaces. The cylindrical body also has an opposite, second end portion received within a second cylindrical disc assembly secured by a second clamp element and fixedly attached to a second of the opposed sidewall surfaces, opposite to the first of the opposed sidewall surfaces. The cylindrical body may be a flexible, or the cylindrical body may be relatively stiff or rigid.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2014Publication date: August 7, 2014Inventor: E. Kevin Schopfer
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Patent number: 8783199Abstract: A modular floating platform system includes parallelepiped-shaped floating blocks, each floating block (1) having rings (2), cavities (3) and projections (4) on the lateral faces. The projections (4) are mated with the cavities (3) on the lateral faces of the adjacent floating blocks (1), and pins are inserted into corresponding rings (2), to assemble the floating platform.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Indústria Mecânica NTC Ltda.Inventor: Bernardo Shih Cion Shen
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Patent number: 8739726Abstract: A dock system including a collapsible frame, and method for assembling the dock system including collapsible frame are provided. A collapsible dock system includes a collapsible frame. The collapsible frame includes a first beam, a second beam, a cross-member, and a hinged bracket system. The cross-member system secures the first beam to the second beam. The hinged bracket system is selectively coupled to the first beam and the second beam in either a compact transport state in which the first beam is movable relative to the second beam or a fixed installation state in which the first beam is fixed relative to the second beam.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2012Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Bellingham Marine Industries, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Boyce Mann, Mark Douglas Johnson, Tony Shelby Garrett, Jr.