Abstract: A flexor connector drive system for mechanical flexors of a modular causeway system includes a linear slide mechanism coupled to a linear drive located within a well on a first section of the causeway system. The linear slide mechanism is adapted to be driven out of the well by the linear drive and couple to a flexor located within a well on a second section of the causeway. Upon reversal of the linear drive, the linear slide mechanism pulls the flexor into the well on the first section, for interconnecting the two sections. The linear drive includes a high helix screw that provides high torque under high speed conditions for quickly moving the heavy flexor between the two sections.

Abstract: A modular floating construction comprises one or more floating bodies having platforms including removable latching means, thereby providing floating stages, wharfs, working platforms to be used on water surfaces in general.

Abstract: A modular floating dock system utilizing steel frame modules that are interconnected to form the dock system desired, the modules preferably having a concrete deck and pontoons or floats with the modules being interconnected with high strength bolts with a primary shock pad being interposed between adjacent modules.

Abstract: A load-carrying modular structure assembled from 3-D structural modules constituting parallelepipeds with rectangular faces, the 3-D modules adjoining each other along said faces. The modules comprise reinforcing diagonal beams (RDBs) disposed along diagonals that connect vertices of the parallelepipeds. The RDBs form a 3-D multi-tetrahedron lattice whereby said modular structure behaves under load as a multi-tetrahedron structure. A basic 3-D module for assembling the modular structure has six RDBs along facial diagonals forming a tetrahedron. The 3-D module may have RDBs also along the other six diagonals and along diagonals connecting centers of the box's faces. The 3-D modules may have cut-outs and passages for water currents. They may have internal hollow volumes and controlled buoyancy, and may be assembled from shell elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multidirectional floating element. The multidirectional floating element is preferably a polyhedron in overall shape including a first generally planar surface adapted for use a deck, a second surface having a V-shaped channel adapted for receiving and guiding a watercraft keel and a plurality of side walls for adjoining and maintaining spacing between the first surface and the second surface.

Abstract: A modular snap-tight interlocking deck and process for constructing a pontoon boat with said deck is described. The modular deck includes lightweight planks that snap together using a tongue-in-groove design. Once joined, the planks are inseparable and form a rigid, flat, watertight surface.

Abstract: Buoys are used for mooring purposes and as navigational marks. An embodiment of the invention is be explained in relation to catenary anchor leg mooring (CALM) buoys. Conventional CALM buoys generally have a hull constructed of steel plate by traditional ship building techniques requiring plate benders. Webs, beams and girders are welded inside the hull which is divided into several tanks. The buoy has a central moonpool and a steel turntable. Bending plate, in effect, doubles its cost. A method of constructing a buoy is disclosed, comprising: constructing a framework and affixing flat steel plate to it.

Abstract: An under dock floatation system includes a float having a shape-fit projection for nesting against a concrete dock to rehabilitate a degraded free board of the dock and/or to increase a weight bearing capacity of the dock.

Abstract: Method for producing a floating base, which base is made up of a number of coupled-together base elements, characterized in that floating elements and rigid elements are supplied first, after which a number of floating elements and a number of rigid elements are joined together, wherein each base element is assembled from floating elements and rigid elements that have been joined together in this manner, after which a number of base elements thus formed are coupled together so as to form the floating base.

Abstract: A floating platform includes a hull and a deck mounted on the uppermost end of the hull. The platform is anchored to the seabed by a plurality of tendons connected to the hull at the upper ends thereof and secured to the seabed at the lower ends thereof. The platform includes detachable buoyancy means providing supplemental buoyancy for hydrostatically stabilizing the platform without utilizing a derrick barge while ballasting the platform during installation.

Abstract: A temporary stability module and method for marine structures during construction, transportation and installation is taught. The device and method permit the structure, including platforms, deck and equipment to be constructed in an upright position, towed to an ocean installation site, and installed by ballasting the structure or temporary stability module and subsequent removal of the module.

Abstract: A deep water support platform, suitable for use as a hydrocarbon exploration or production facility in very deep waters of 10,000 ft or more is presented. The platform is attached to the floor of the ocean with a buoyant pile that includes buoyant members attached about the periphery of the pile. The buoyant pile and buoyant members include tubular members that can be filled with water, oil, air or other materials to produce a structure that has improved buoyancy and stability over prior platforms. Embodiments include configurations of buoyant members that have constant and equal diameter and spacing, and other configurations where the diameter and/or spacing of the buoyant members changes along the pile. In addition, the buoyant members are arranged about the pile to reduce vortex induced vibrations on the platform by interfering with current flow about the support structure.

Abstract: A floating platform that has a flat low profile for use by swimmers, divers, boaters, and those engaged in other activities on water. The platform is used alone or as a module in combination with other such floating platform modules; attaching the modules to form a larger floating platform. In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the platform is provided with several connection points enabling multi-point attachment to other vessels and stationary objects, anchor straps and towing straps, and apertures configured to accommodate beverage containers, coolers, chairs, umbrellas, retractable tops and the like. In another embodiment, a detachable cover is attached to the module, the cover forming the floating platform surface. A stable platform and low profile are achieved through use of stiffeners integrated within the platform surface.

Abstract: A barrier for small boats has a plurality of flotation modules on lines extending across a waterway. The flotation modules are cast from a buoyant concrete mixture of cement, water, beaded forms of expanded polystyrene, and polypropylene fibers that is non-water-absorbing, crushable, not susceptible to failure in shear, and has a density lighter than water. The mixture can have cement with the beads in a ratio of about 1:3.5 by volume, the water with the cement in a ratio of about 0.5 (1:2) by weight and the fibers with the cement in a ratio of about 1:141 by weight. Lines pass thru the flotation modules and slip upon impact of a flotation module by a speeding boat, and the buoyant concrete mixture crushes to absorb some energy of the impact. The barrier is relatively low cost, can be made next to a waterway from readily available materials by unskilled workers and is deployed in a minimum amount of time.

Abstract: A manifold assembly is formed of a pipe. The pipe has an open interior. A fluid handling assembly has a plurality of downwardly facing spaced apertures in the manifold. A flexible tube extends downwardly from each aperture. The fluid handling assembly also has a supply of fluid. The fluid is adapted to kill and manage dinoflagelents. A line couples the supply with the tubes for the dispensing of the fluid. At least one water craft with a line couples the central water craft to the manifold. A sensor is provided to determine ambient conditions. The sensor is adapted to analyze the sensed ambient conditions and dispense the fluid at an appropriate rate.

Abstract: A concrete module having a buoyant center core with a light weight concrete outer shell. The modules have lengthwise and width wise passages on non-common planes. The modules are connected with rods, cables or other interconnecting methods through the passages. The sides of the modules may be curved to allow the modules to fit securely together along the vertical corners in a straight line without bowing or bending. The top of the module may be constructed with reinforcing ribs for strength. The size of the modules are designed to be transported using standard hauling trucks and moved with skid loaders or fork lifts. The modules have common sizes and connecting passages between modules to make uniform modules to allow custom designed docks and other floating structures to be configured. A variety of brackets are provided for attaching other structures to the modules making up the floating structure.

Abstract: An extendable draft offshore oil and gas drilling and production platform (“EDP”) includes a buoyant deck having a central opening, an adjustably buoyant pontoon, and a single, adjustably buoyant column. The column is mounted upright on the pontoon, and is vertically movable through the central opening of the deck. The deck is supported on an upper end of the column above a body of water for offshore operations. The pontoon, and optionally, the column, have compartments with a buoyancy that is adjustable by pumps or sea water ballast and pressurized air. In one embodiment, the compartments can comprise a plurality of tubes. In another embodiment, a lower end of the column may comprise an open truss structure. The platform combines the advantages of a SPAR platform with those of a deep draft extendable draft platform.

Abstract: A floating offshore fluid storage caisson platform has a large diameter vertically oriented buoyant column or caisson, or multiple caissons, defining a storage chamber, and a telescopic keel tank disposed at the bottom end thereof, and may have deck on top of the caisson to support storage, drilling and production structures, equipment, and quarters. The structure can be transported horizontally either dry on a transporting vessel or towed with its keel tank in a fully retracted position. At the field of operation, the structure initially floats horizontally.

Abstract: An automatic level-control floating apparatus supports a pontoon bridge, a floating floor or another superstructure floating on the sea, where the height of tide or the sea level varies. It is difficult to maintain the level of such a superstructure, which the floating apparatus can keep at a constant level without using motive power. The floating apparatus includes a supporting tank 3, which rests on the water bottom. The top of the supporting tank 3 is open to the atmosphere. A piston body 1 can reciprocate vertically in the supporting tank 3. The apparatus also includes floating tanks 2, which are integral with and positioned outside the piston body 1. The tops of the floating tanks 2 are open to the atmosphere. The floating tanks 2 are floating on the water. A floating body 4 can move vertically in each floating tank 2 and supports the superstructure.

Abstract: A floating platform that has a flat low profile for use by swimmers, divers, boaters, and those engaged in other activities on water. The platform is used alone or as a module in combination with other such floating platform modules; attaching the modules to form a larger floating platform. In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the platform is provided with several connection points enabling multi-point attachment to other vessels and stationary objects, anchor straps and towing straps, and apertures configured to accommodate beverage containers, coolers, chairs, umbrellas, retractable tops and the like. In another embodiment, a detachable cover is attached to the module, the cover forming the floating platform surface. A stable platform and low profile are achieved through use of stiffeners integrated within the platform surface.

Abstract: A load-carrying modular structure assembled from 3-D structural modules constituting parallelepipeds with rectangular faces, the 3-D modules adjoining each other along said faces. The modules comprise reinforcing diagonal beams (RDBs) disposed along diagonals that connect vertices of the parallelepipeds. The RDBs form a 3-D multi-tetrahedron lattice whereby said modular structure behaves under load as a multi-tetrahedron structure. A basic 3-D module for assembling the modular structure has six RDBs along facial diagonals forming a tetrahedron. The 3-D module may have RDBs also along the other six diagonals and along diagonals connecting centers of the box's faces. The 3-D modules may have cut-outs and passages for water currents. They may have internal hollow volumes and controlled buoyancy, and may be assembled from shell elements.

Abstract: A plastic rotationally molded polyethylene buoyancy tank for boat lifts allows connection of steel to lengthwise grooves molded into each side of the buoyancy tank. Preferably, a plastic bulkhead is formed within the tank during its molding process. A segment of framing steel is bracketed between a pair of inwardly tapered compressible opposed grips. The compressible grips each have outwardly tapered slots with mating tapered rigid inserts. With the inserts partially seated on the grips, the grips are slipped lengthwise or pressed laterally into their respective grooves. Bolts extending through the grips into threaded holes in the inserts are tightened to pull the grips over their tapered inserts. This spreads and compresses the grips in their respective grooves, locking the brackets and connecting steel in place on top of the tanks.

Abstract: A barge system comprises a barge. The barge is provided in a rectilinear configuration. Plates define an upper periphery and a lower periphery. Tubes are provided around the upper and lower peripheries. Provided next is a plurality of vertically disposed recesses formed in the side, front and rear plates. A plurality of connectors is provided. Each connector includes a post. Each connector has upper and lower ends. The lower ends have a downwardly facing inverted U-shaped member. A first portion is positioned upon a lower tube of one barge. A laterally disposed second portion is positioned upon an adjacent lower tube. An upwardly facing U-shaped member is provided with a first portion. The first portion is positioned to receive an upper tube of one barge. A laterally disposed second portion is provided. The second portion is positioned to receive an adjacent upper tube of an adjacent barge.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel floating wave attenuator. More particularly, this invention pertains to a novel design of floating wave attenuator which has a curved vertical wave alternating wall section, a bottom vertical motion braking flange, and an air chamber for adjusting buoyancy. A floating wave attenuator comprising: (a) a wall having an exterior surface and an interior surface; (b) a flange associated with the wall and extending from at least one of the exterior surface and the interior surface of the wall; and (c) an air chamber in the interior of the wall, the air chamber being filled with air to adjust the buoyancy of the attenuator.

Abstract: A floating platform that has a flat low profile for use by swimmers, divers, boaters, and those engaged in other activities on water. The platform is used alone or as a module in combination with other such floating platform modules; attaching the modules to form a larger floating platform. In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the platform is provided with several connection points enabling multi-point attachment to other vessels and stationary objects, anchor straps and towing straps, and apertures configured to accommodate beverage containers, coolers, chairs, umbrellas, retractable tops and the like. In another embodiment, a detachable cover is attached to the module, the cover forming the floating platform surface. A stable platform and low profile are achieved through use of stiffeners integrated within the platform surface.

Abstract: A Small Waterplane Area MultiHull non-motorized vessel having an upper hull platform located above the design water line of the vessel which is maintained above the surface of a body of water by at least two cylindrical submerged hulls joined thereto by supporting struts. A buoyant core material is contained between inner and outer walls of the submerged hulls which define a cylindrical space in which a rotary propulsive means may be housed. In one embodiment, an engine means is situated . . . means to provide a propulsive force.

Abstract: A marine buoyancy unit which fits at least partly around a marine object such as a riser with auxiliary conduits is composed of syntactic foam with an external layer or skin of harder polymeric composite. To reinforce the unit slots or channels are cut in the exterior of the unit or borings are created which extend within the unit and reinforcement in the form of webs or strips are placed into the slots or channels or borings. The reinforcement is embedded into the slots, channels or borings by introducing a curable resins.

Abstract: A floating platform held in position or moored by lines or piles and providing a suitable landing for vessels for the loading and unloading of passengers and cargo. The floating platform has a configuration of buoyant elements that simultaneously support the platform and combine to reduce and minimize the effects that waves have upon the motions of the landing by distributing wave energy along the length and breadth of the platform in such a way that the energies cancel each other. The buoyant elements of the float are connected by rigid bridge structures that span open volumes which do not provide buoyancy. The distance between the pontoons, or floatation cells, regulates the amount of dampening provided by the system. The bridged gap between the buoyant pontoons is covered by a deck structure capable of supporting any designated design load. The complete deck surface of the landing has a continuous appearance, unbroken by the gap in the floatation cells.

Abstract: A temporary stability module and method for marine structures during construction, transportation and installation is taught. The device and method permit the structure, including platforms, deck and equipment to be constructed in an upright position, towed to an ocean installation site, and installed by ballasting the structure or temporary stability module and subsequent removal of the module.

Abstract: The marine structure includes a platform above a body of water and having at least three spaced upright supporting legs extending downwards from the platform towards the body of water, at the lower side of which a suction pile is connected wherein each supporting leg is connected to the relevant suction pile externally from its longitudinal axis. The supporting leg laterally projects outside the radial circumference of the suction pile while the suction piles and the supporting legs are mutually arranged such that the suction piles are present outside the space delimited between the supporting legs and a floater extends through the space delimited by the supporting legs.

Abstract: An interlocking system, apparatus and methods for connecting floating structures by utilizing a male-female interlocking arrangement of shafts, cams, and connector bodies which manually lock and unlock thereby permitting, when attached to structures, quick and easy connecting and disconnecting of the structures in various states of motion including rough seas.

Abstract: A floating dock assembly comprising a plurality of interconnected concrete float sections is disclosed. Each float section comprises a concrete shell having a deck portion, opposing side walls, opposing end walls, and an open bottom which together define a flotation container. A self-centering flotation core is disposed in the flotation container and has a bottom portion that extends outside thereof to increase the freeboard of the float section. The concrete shell further includes a pair of opposing, horizontally projecting concrete structural side flanges extending along the length of each side wall and a pair of opposing, horizontally projecting concrete end flanges extending along the length of each end wall. Each flange is of sufficient thickness to permit direct attachment of mooring accessories and dock hinges for interconnecting adjacent float sections without additional structural components such as conventional timber wales.

Abstract: A floating, drive-on dry dock assembly for a small craft is assembled from two kinds of hollow floatation units, tall units and short units. The units are interconnected so that their top surfaces are substantially coplanar. The units are arranged to form two arms which support the hull of the craft on each side of the longitudinal center line of the craft. The entire length of each arm is made up of tall units except the distal end portions of each arm which may be made up of short units. The short units are able to flex downward as a craft begins to ride up on the dock because of the location of the connection between adjacent units. The tall units, however, cannot flex relative to each other nearly to the same extent as the short units, and so they form a stable generally planar surface. The distal ends of the arms are connected to each other by an upside down short unit.

Abstract: A wave-resistant mega-float comprises a first flat plate provided on a front end portion of a large-sized floating body, penetrating a water surface, and extending downward below a bottom surface of the floating body, the front end portion of the floating body being located on an upstream side in a direction from which waves travel, and a second flat plate attached substantially perpendicularly to a lower end portion of the first flat plate such that the second flat plate extends toward the upstream side.

Abstract: A floating boat house includes a pair of elongate cylindrically shaped floats adapted to float on water and a plurality of frame members attached to the floats in a spaced relation with one another and extending above the floats. A flexible cover extends over and is detachably attachable to the frame members thereby forming a semicircular enclosure. The frame members are detachably attachable to the floats. The floats are made of a plurality of hermetically sealed pipe sections collinearly detachably attachable to one another. The cover includes a doorway and a flexible flap selectively detachably attachable to the cover for selectively opening and closing the doorway. The boat house is generally easily assembled and disassembled as needed for use, storage and transport.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing a deck on an offshore substructure is provided. The apparatus comprises a deck supported by lifting mechanisms that are in turn attached to pontoons. The apparatus floats on the water with the lifting mechanisms compressed until transported to an offshore substructure having an upper end located above the water surface. The lifting mechanisms are then extended and the apparatus moved on the surface of the water to position the deck over the substructure. The deck is then lowered onto the substructure and the pontoons are lifted out of the water.

Abstract: A floating installation, including a main moonpool (1), wherein in the main moonpool (1) there is arranged a bulkhead (4) which divides the moonpool (1) into a first section and a second section. The bulkhead (4) forms a first wall in a compartment (16) in the first section. The compartment (16) is also defined by the walls of the moonpool (I) and a floor (7). The bulkhead (4) is designed to be opened to provide communication between the first section and the second section. The compartment (16) is substantially watertight when the bulkhead (4) is closed.

Abstract: A ramp unit for pontoon structures has two inner float bodies, each having an upper deck and a lower deck, and connecting hinges pivotally connecting the two inner float bodies to one another. Two outer float bodies each having an upper deck and a lower deck are connected respectively by double-jointed hinges to the two inner float bodies at a side of the two inner float bodies opposite the connecting hinges. A folding and unfolding mechanism folds the two inner and the two outer float bodies into a folded W-shape for transport and unfolds the W-shape into a stretched operating position in which the upper decks of the two inner and the two outer float bodies form a planar driving deck. Portions of each one of the lower decks of the two inner and the two outer float bodies are planar in a longitudinal direction of each of the two inner and the outer float bodies over the entire length thereof.

Abstract: A large size sea surface vehicle is combined by a large number of cells that are distributed along two horizontal dimensions on sea surface. Connections of the cells are elastic and flexible to prevent destructive stress. Its power system comprises a large number of engines controlled by computers that are organized in an Internet-like computer network. The sea surface vehicle is unlimitedly scalable, practically unsinkable and exceptionally mobile and its draught is very shallow. Without changing itself, the sea surface vehicle can function as the bases of an aircraft carrier, a mobile sea surface airport, a heavy weapon group transport/landing ship, a comprehensive sea battle platform and a solar energy collection platform. An airplane takeoff/landing platform is made for airplanes to take off and land on it.

Abstract: A flotation assembly made up of a load bearing structure which can be an off-shore platform, and also a flotation section comprising a plurality of flotation tubes. Each of the flotation tubes comprises a surrounding side wall defining a vertically aligned elongate pressure chamber and having an upper end closure portion that has a downwardly facing surface exposed to pressure in the chamber. The tubes are positioned at laterally spaced locations and arranged relative to the load bearing structure so as to create upwardly directed flotation forces that bear against the load bearing structure. A source of pressurized gas is transmitted to the flotation tubes to a level where the gas pressure within each tube creates a force against the side walls to alleviate compressive force of the surrounding water pressing inwardly against the side walls of the flotation tubes.

Abstract: A concrete module having a buoyant center core with a light weight concrete outer shell. The modules have lengthwise and width wise passages on non-common planes which are above the water line when the modules are floated with weight. The modules are connected with rods, cables or other interconnecting method through the passages. The sides of the modules may be concaved to allow the modules to fit securely together in a straight line without bowing or bending. The top of the module is constructed with reinforcing ribs for strength. The size of the modules are designed to be transported using standard hauling trucks and moved with skid loaders or fork lifts. The modules have common sizes and connecting passages between modules to make uniform modules to allow custom designed docks and other floating structures to be configured. A variety of brackets are provided for attaching items to the modules making up the floating structure.

Abstract: A floating platform uses a plurality of modules to define a substantially continuous surface between at least two of the modules. In one embodiment, each module is substantially independently positioned. Relative positioning elements on the modules place the modules in a configuration maintaining a surface between two adjacent modules in a substantially continuous configuration. Preferably, the platform includes a runway connector spanning an operational distance between the modules. The connector preferably has an upper surface allowing for aircraft or wheeled vehicles to roll from the end of one module to an adjacent end of another module while the modules are free to move in all six degrees of freedom. Preferably, the runway connector will not hold the modules in position, instead relying on thrusters to maintain position. The runway connector may have an end surface maintained substantially in alignment and contact with a module end surface.

Abstract: A floating dock section that is secure, economical and durable and can be coupled together with a similar type section by a connecting member that fits into a socket of the dock section. Each connecting member has flanges that fit into receiving sockets of two adjacent dock sections to form a dock of a preferred configuration so that the dock sections can be arranged in a plethora of configurations. Modular pieces for end posts and other accessories can be added. The bottom surface of the dock section includes a plurality of rectangularly shaped closely spaced apart troughs that are in a parallel alignment with one another.

Abstract: A buoyant walkway module for a boatlift is formed from a plurality of pneumatically discrete elongated compartments. Each of the compartments has a substantially flat upper horizontal exterior surface and complementary exterior end surfaces. With the end of one such module in abutment with the complementary end of another such module, the upper horizontal surfaces lie in the same plane so as to provide a suitable walkway for the boatman. Preferably, the end surfaces are perpendicular to the horizontal surface so as to provide maximum stability in the walkway.With the modules positioned in end-to-end relationship, they are coupled together by a flat plate disposed across the upper exterior surface of their junction and by a pair of straps extending longitudinally across the lower exterior surface at their junction.

Abstract: This invention is related to rafts or floating platforms, and more particularly to a platform form of a plurality permanently buoyant panels that can be readily assembled or disassembled.

Abstract: A stable floating barge-platform for offshore operations and a method for assembling same. The barge-platform is assembled from a plurality of substantially identical, buoyant modules, all of which have substantially the same outer configuration. The buoyant modules are constructed onshore and transported to an offshore location where they are positioned and connected together to form the platform. When connected, an opening will be present through the center of the platform. This opening reduces the bottom area of the platform and accordingly substantially reduces the wave forces on the platform.

Abstract: An apparatus of and a method for the construction of an environmentally-friendly floating dock structure using heavy-gauge plastic tubing as pontoon floats with an overlying series of deck crosspieces is presented. The plastic pontoon floats are made from a high-density polyethylene material and arranged with the overlying deck crosspieces in such a manner as to provide the floating dock with a greater degree of stability, and are themselves constructed containing a highly buoyant material. The junctures between the adjoining pieces of the pontoon floats are sealed water-tight by a plastic joining process.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a floating dock that is secure, economical and durable. The dock is comprised of modular floating dock sections coupled together with flanges that fit into receiving sockets on the docking sections. The versatile dock sections can be arranged in a plethora of dock configurations, and modular pieces for end posts and other accessories can be added.

Abstract: A platform, breakwater, or endless track includes an array of molded cells nterconnected by a system of elongate flexible members, such as wire ropes or lines. The molded cells are cast in molds located at overlapping portions of the cables. The molds may be flexible nylon bags having openings for receiving the cables through them and a fill port to receive material. The molds may be retained on cast cells or removed and reused. A buoyant material, such as expanding self-hardening foam is pumped from foam mixing and pumping equipment into the molds to cast the cells for floating on water, although negatively buoyant cells could be cast for some applications. The cells may be cast on site or elsewhere and then transported to the work site. The cables either can be secured or free running in the molded cells.

Abstract: A float unit includes a number of corrugated side surfaces and a number of holed ears each formed between each two adjacent side corrugated surfaces. One of the corrugated side surfaces of one float unit engages with that of another float unit to provide friction therebetween to thereby reliably prevent from disengagement between the float units.