Abstract: A floating device to be used in groups to form a floating cover that floats over volumes of water or liquids used in industry, mining and agriculture, directed to reduce evaporation, algae formation and gas emanation. The device comprising an outer shell consisting of outwardly convex covers and lateral edges that have a polygonal shape in a plan view, vertical wall surfaces extending from the edges of the covers, wherein each vertical wall surface joins at the level of the middle plane of the device with the edges of an inner shell.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of marine construction. Said marine construction is based on an external perimeter and inner area and comprises seabed lying elements and floating elements. The marine construction of the present invention comprising fixed elements that are placed on the defined perimeter of said marine construction. Said fixed elements are lying on the seabed. And further comprising floating elements that are placed in the inner area the marine construction, defined by said external perimeter. The marine construction is capable of being deployed at a variety of distances from shore, at a differential nature of sea bed, and to be able to carry out different tasks and destinations, such as but not limited to airport, residency, army base, power station, port, marina, other infrastructures, etc. and any combination thereof.

Abstract: A boat lift is attached to piles driven into the earth or to another object. The boat lift is held in horizontal position relative to piles or the object to which it is attached, but vertical movement of the boat lift relative to the object is permitted. The boat lift is connected to the piles by modular units or cube constructs that have a post extending there through. The post has a blade extending from it. The blades are attached at an angle, according to the application, to pile guides that engage piles. The pile guides vertically traverse the piles, permitting the boat lift to move vertically relative to the object, but fixing the horizontal position of the boat lift.

Abstract: A method of forming a building material device utilizing a vehicle tire where the vehicle tire is split into three portions. Two of the vehicle portions are recombined into a subunit which is capable of holding the third portion within a chamber. The subunit containing the second portion is then combined with panels to form a finished unit capable of being used in a building structure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are aquatic substructures capable of supporting a weight such as a wind tower and turbine. The aquatic substructures may include a central column and at least one buoyancy container connected by means of a system of cables and beams as described herein.

Abstract: A system and method of providing, assembling and maintaining floating rows and/or arrays of photovoltaic solar panels and terrestrial or elevated based rows and/or arrays of photovoltaic solar panels.

Abstract: A floating dock is constructed from a plurality of dock units with each unit having an interior at least partially filled of empty and recycled beverage plastic bottles. Each unit also includes a non-skid upper surface and means to interconnect adjacent units together.

Abstract: A semisubmersible floating platform (1) for supporting at least one wind turbine, comprising four buoyant columns (3), each of them being attached to a ring pontoon (2); a transition piece (4) configured to support one wind turbine, disposed on the buoyant columns (3); and a heave plate (5) assembled to the internal perimeter of the ring pontoon (2). The ring pontoon (2) comprises four pontoon portions forming a quadrilateral-shaped ring pontoon (2) wherein the first end of each column (3) is attached to a respective corner of said quadrilateral-shaped ring pontoon (2). The heave plate (5) is located in the internal perimeter of the ring pontoon (2), both defining a hollow. The pontoon (2) is preferably divided into a plurality of compartments or construction blocks that may be filled with fixed ballast, such as concrete.

Abstract: A float for a barrier for a waterway, a waterway barrier including the float, and a method for forming the waterway barrier are provided. The float includes a caseless float body which is formed of a single, homogeneous material. The material may be a high density urethane or a functional equivalent.

Abstract: A reduced vibration structure comprises honeycomb and a vibration damping coating on at least a portion of the internal surface of at least a portion of the cells of the honeycomb. The vibration damping coating is formed by curing a coating composition comprising acrylic polymer or copolymer emulsion and a vibration damping filler. The structure can include an adhesive coupled to both the upper surface and the lower surface of the honeycomb and two pieces of sheathing coupled to the adhesive, one on the upper surface and one on the lower surface of the honeycomb.

Abstract: An internal floating roof for a storage tank includes a rim, a first plurality of girders, including a first girder, a second plurality of girders, including a second girder, a deck sheet, a first cap channel, a second cap channel, and a pontoon coupled to the first girder. The first plurality of girders extend in a first direction across the rim, wherein the first plurality of girders comprises a first girder. The second plurality of girders extend in a second direction, cross-wise to the first direction. The deck sheet is disposed on a first top surface of the first girder and a second top surface of the second girder. The first cap channel is coupled to a first top channel of the first girder. The first cap channel comprises a first foot configured to press a first edge of the deck sheet against the first top surface of the first girder. The first foot is welded to the deck sheet along a first length of the first cap channel.

Abstract: A flowerpot made of waste tires, includes: a suspended tire, a circular bottom plate, a hose clamp, a fixed disk and a supporting tube; wherein the fixed disk is fixed on a ground, the supporting tube is set up from a center of the fixed disk, the circular bottom plate has through holes for matching with the supporting tube; the suspended tire, the circular bottom plate and the hose clamp pass through the supporting tube, and the hose clamp tightly clamps a top portion of the supporting tube on the circular plate without any slip; the suspended tire is provided above the circular plate; the suspended tire, the circular bottom plate and the hose clamp form a flowerpot body structure suspended on the supporting tube; the suspended tire is filled with soil for planting plants.

Abstract: A connector housing includes a cylindrical side wall. The cylindrical side wall includes a concave surface on one side of an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical side wall in a first direction. The concave surface curves inwards into an arc shape and extends in a second direction, so that the concave surface is to be pressed against a cylindrical member with the second direction aligned with a direction in which the cylindrical member extends.

Abstract: A stable fishing raft that is easily transportable to the water without a trailer and has a deck large enough to easily and securely carry fishing gear. The deck and bottom are flat, and the sides are perpendicular to the deck and bottom. The deck is connected to the bottom at the bow and stern with a circular arc. The core of the raft is a buoyant foam, preferably polyurethane, and covered in a water-resistant resin, preferably polyethylene. The raft is steerable and propelled by paddle or trolling motor that attaches to a removable motor mount. In a preferred embodiment the raft has a recessed accessory track and a series of recessed rings on the deck to receive the bottom edge of a bucket and hold it in place as a seat. Rafts can be joined together with couplers.

Abstract: A floating body includes a main body having first and second surfaces opposite to each other and a first side surface connecting the first and second surfaces and first and second joining parts located on the first side surface to be opposite to each other in a first direction parallel to a ridge line defined by the first surface and the first side surface. The first and second joining parts each include a first portion located on the first side surface and a second portion connected to the first portion to face the first side surface. End portions of the first and second joining parts face each other. A minimum distance between the end portions is greater than twice a width of the second portion in the first direction, and is smaller than a minimum distance between the first portions of the first and second joining parts.

Abstract: A system for removing an oil from a surface of a body of water including a vessel capable of floating on the body of water, with a bow arrangement having a port and a starboard deflector plate and with a downward facing deflector plate, a flow control foil attached to the bow arrangement below the surface of water, a horizontal elongated roller capable of breaking solidified fluids mounted just above the control foil. Behind and below the bow arrangement is a flow opening on the vessel underside where the flow opening is openly submerged below the surface of water. The system includes a separation compartment with walls, a roof, an open bottom and an oil pump having an inlet located near the top of the separation compartment and connected for transfer of collected oil to an onboard or remote storage unit.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a method for affixing two or more structures to be used in connection with a floating dock, stationary dock, gang plank, swim platform, or the like. The subject invention more specifically discloses a deck structure which is comprised of one or more sections which are adapted to be interconnected, wherein said sections are comprised of a frame, and a deck, wherein the frame is comprised of a first box-channel on a first side of the frame, a second box-channel on the second side of the frame, and at least two self-squaring cross braces, wherein the self-squaring cross braces are attached to both the first side and the second side of the frame, and wherein the deck is attached to the top side of the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for producing an endless corrugated cardboard web laminated on at least one side, the assembly comprising a first corrugating roller and a second corrugating roller for producing a corrugated web provided with a corrugation as well as a glue application assembly. The glue application assembly comprises a glue container for receiving glue, a glue application roller for applying the glue disposed in the glue container to tips of the corrugation of the corrugated web, and at least one glue wave inhibiting assembly arranged in the glue container for inhibiting the formation of glue waves of the glue disposed in the glue container. The assembly for producing an endless corrugated cardboard web laminated on at least one side further has a pressure assembly for pressing a cover layer against the tips, provided with glue, of the corrugated web.

Abstract: An arrangement of fenders nested together for compact storage, the fenders including two or more cylindrical bodies having a cavity accessed through the fender top, the fenders being similar shape but graduated in size such that the cavity of a larger fender tensionally receives the next smaller sized fender, the outer diameter of the smaller fender equal to the inner diameter of the larger fender cavity. A fender has a rigid inner core surrounded by a compressible shell made of foam or similar material. The inner core has attachment points for a rope or line. The smallest nesting fender in the set has a cavity diameter sized to fit a commercially-available, off-the-shelf fender. The fenders may be separated and deployed at individual locations on a vessel, or kept together and deployed as a single fender capable of absorbing a greater impact than any of the fenders individually would absorb.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for detecting water in a tensioning buoy of a riser column of an installation located in an aquatic environment, the method including, in succession, steps of: defining a representative standard echo; emitting the ultrasonic signal on a wall of the buoy; measuring a representative response echo due to the reflection of the ultrasonic signal in the buoy; comparing the representative response echo to the representative standard echo; and determining whether water is present in or absent from the buoy from the comparison.

Abstract: A floating module includes an upper half and a lower half. The upper half includes one edge from which a flange extends downwardly, while the lower half includes an opposite edge that includes an upwardly facing flange. Modules can be interconnected to one another by engaging the upper flange from one with the lower flange from another. A cavity and channels are formed in the lower surface of the module such that water will become entrapped in the cavity and channels when the platform is placed in water. Through use of one way check valves positioned in fluid communication with the cavity and channels, a hydro-lock is formed that prevents the water from escaping the cavity and channels while it is placed in water.

Abstract: A novel float that can be constructed in pieces. Each piece providing buoyancy and when joined together able to provide floatation for a structure. The float having containers that can serve as storage for different materials. The floats making a system used to float a large structure such as a home.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus for tensioning a marine riser comprising a support for a number of actuators, where the support is connected to a vessel's structure, and where each actuator is connected to the support and to a marine riser, and where elements of the riser tensioner apparatus are enclosed.

Abstract: A floating structure and method for obtaining same. The structure includes a first plurality of tubes and a second plurality of tubes. The second plurality of tubes are inserted into the first plurality of tubes to extend through the upper portion of same, and both sets of tubes are welded together. The ends of the tubes of the first plurality of tubes are closed in order to be used as flotation tanks when the floating structure is fitted out for such use. The method concerns locking the first plurality of tubes in place on the frame, with pairs of holes in each of the first plurality of tubes being aligned, and a corresponding tube of the second plurality of tubes being inserted through each pair of aligned holes by force. Each of the connection portions or parts contained in the tubes are welded on the periphery of the holes.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method for transporting a civil engineering structure including a mast in an aquatic medium is presented. In an embodiment, the method includes fastening the civil engineering structure to at least one flotation unit, moving the civil engineering structure and the connected flotation unit in the aquatic medium as far as a desired position. The civil engineering structure may be fastened to the flotation unit in a region situated above the center of equilibrium of the civil engineering structure connected to the flotation unit. The connection may be configured to uncouple the rotational movements of the flotation unit and of the civil engineering structure about at least one axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mast of the civil engineering structure.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The subject disclosure presents assemblies, devices and methods to float a structure over a body of water by using a saddle fastened to a pontoon, whereby the saddle remains above the water line. The saddle includes a plurality of external clamp plates outside a pontoon sidewall, and fastened to one or more internal clamp plates placed inside the pontoon sidewall, thereby clamping the sidewall between them. Attachment points for the external and internal clamp plates are situated at a height that is relatively higher than a water line anticipated when the pontoon is under a load. This ensures that corrodible components are maintained above a water level while the pontoon is floating the structure, reducing corrosion.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for varying the buoyancy of a floating structure are provided. The method can include securing a plurality of floatation modules to at least a portion of the floating structure at various locations thereabout, while the floating structure is at sea such that the operational flexibility of the floating structure is modified.

Abstract: A device for the remote tracking of water masses through a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver equipped with a telecommunications modem and an electronic control board is provided. The device includes GPS locator enclosed within a floating watertight and sealed container or float. A method for the simultaneous management and operation of a set of one or more of such devices is also provided.

Abstract: The object of invention is a light recreational boat, which can be used as a means of transportation on water for a variety of forms of recreation, in particular fishing, rowing, sailing.

Abstract: The modular floating bar with optional canopy mounts is a floatation device with optional canopy mounts therefor. The device includes a plurality of modular segments that can be assembled and arranged in a various patterns to create a floating structure that is usable in pools, lakes and ponds or in any water that is relatively calm and devoid of strong current pulls. The modular segments are provided with a hinge and pin arrangement that permits easy assembly. The segments incorporate structure for retaining cups and beverage coolers therein. Support structure is also provided for mounting a canopy on the assembled segments.

Abstract: A floating dock system contains a polymeric foam core, a structural collar, attachment means connected to the structural collar and a protective coating adhering to and completely covering the polymer foam core and structural collar and is free of decking or plates that are independent of the structural collar between the top surface of the polymeric foam core and the protective coating.

Abstract: A construction barge having a body with a generally rectilinear configuration, including two substantially vertical side walls and two substantially vertical end walls, together with a top support platform and a bottom platform. The top and bottom platforms may be made of a rigid, yet relatively lightweight construction including a plurality of elongate roll-formed metal sections connected to one another. The side and end walls each include a pair of vertically-spaced connection angles each having a horizontal flange with a plurality of spaced openings. The dimensions of the barge and the configuration of the connection arrangement are designed such that the barge may have a reduced size and/or weight compared to existing barges, yet may be connected to existing barges while floating in a body of water with the top support platforms of the barges properly aligned.

Abstract: A multiple use, light weight, cost-effective, indoor and all-weather outdoor construction toy for stimulating children's imaginations and encouraging physical activity comprises a basic modular unit with open ended cup-like coupling-means on its perimeter for male to female coupling and decoupling to other couple-able units, is described. The coupling-means may be molded as an integral part forming one seamless basic unit. The open bottom end of the coupling means provides for coupling, the open top end prevents the buildup of snow inside the coupling unit. Coupling can be achieved via coupling-means on basic units to each other or through the use of accessory independent coupler-units. The basic unit of the modular toy may be in the form of a saucer, disc, an oval, or in a rectilinear-shape for use as a sled, skiing device, a flotation device, or as fort building modules. Additional accessory parts include skis and inner-tubes, for example.

Abstract: The floating foundation supporting framework according to the invention for offshore structures comprises a plurality of buoyancy elements which are arranged on the outside of a bar-type supporting framework which, in turn, is connected to ballast elements via cables (8, 9, 10). This design results in a simple construction and low construction costs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pontoon unit 1 intended for an energy generation system 2, said pontoon unit 1 comprising one first water surface pontoon part 3 having an unsymmetrical convexly curved inner surface X, a second water surface pontoon part 4 having an unsymmetrical convexly curved inner surface Y, and one bottom pontoon part 5 being substantially perpendicular to the first and second water surface pontoon parts 3, 4 and also having an unsymmetrical convexly curved inner surface Z.

Abstract: A three dimensional floating structure is formed of interconnected sealed pipes. Large tires are filled with foam, sealed and arranged side by side on the lowest horizontal pipes. A deck supports activities. Structures on sides at a water surface trap floating substances. Offset hinged plates connect modules, forming large structures. Wind redirectors are mounted on plural levels. Windmill pumps draw cool deep water and spray water to disrupt wind energy, cool the surface and concentrate floating substances. The windmills drive turbine generators directly by pumping water to storage tanks and discharging the water through penstocks to drive hydro-electric turbine generators. Excess power is transmitted through cables to onshore power grids. The floating structures provide oil recovery and wind de-energizing, water and waste treatment and residential and recreational activities.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A floating vessel is equipped with perforated plates which exhibit both an added-mass effect and a damping effect. The addition of porosity to an added mass plate phase-shifts the added mass force so that it becomes at least partially a damping force which does not depend on large velocities to develop a large damping force. Preferred porosity is in the range of about 5% to about 15% of total plate area. A semi-submersible vessel may have damper plates fitted between its surface-piercing columns, within a support grid in the area between the pontoons and/or extending from the sides of its pontoons. A truss spar offshore platform may have damper plates installed within its truss structure intermediate its hull and ballast tank. Drill ships and similar vessels may be equipped with damper plates extending from the sides of their hulls to reduce both heave and roll.

Abstract: There is provided a dock having a pair of primary frame members and a pair of secondary frame members. A plurality of cross members extends between the pair of primary frame members. The dock includes a plurality of cross member connectors for connecting the cross members to the primary frame members. Each cross member connector includes a frame contact portion and a cross member engagement portion extending from the frame contact portion. The frame contact portion is connected to a respective one of the plurality of primary frame members. The cross member engagement portion defines a channel sized and configured to receive the alignment plate of a respective one of the plurality of cross members. A roller assembly may also be included for stabilizing the dock relative to an adjacent piling.

Abstract: A floating structure has an annular support as an underwater support with a buoyant body. A tower penetrates the annular support centrally and is connected to the annular support at a location underneath the annular support by slantedly outwardly ascending tension spokes and at a location above the annular support by slantedly outwardly descending tension spokes. Anchors on the ocean floor are connected by tension elements with the annular support. The structure is built by the steps of supporting by auxiliary devices the annular support on a floor of a basin that can be flooded; positioning the tower at the center of the annular support in vertical position; attaching the tension spokes at the annular support and at the tower; flooding the basin; towing the structure to its desired final position; and lowering and anchoring the structure in a submerged floating position.

Abstract: Disks configured to float on the surface of a body of liquid, including a top member configured to float substantially above the surface of the body of liquid, a bottom member spaced from the top member and configured to float substantially below the surface of the body of liquid, a sidewall extending between the top member and the bottom member along the periphery of the top member and along the periphery of the bottom member, wherein the top member, the bottom member, and the sidewall collectively define a cavity, a chamber mounted within the cavity, the chamber enclosing a predetermined volume of a gas, and a port defined in the sidewall to allow liquid from the body of liquid to enter the cavity, wherein the predetermined volume of gas enclosed in the chamber is selected to impart a buoyancy force sufficient to maintain the disk afloat on the body of liquid with the bottom member a predetermined depth below the member of the body of liquid.

Abstract: Many of the known wave-powered devices (“WPDs”) comprise (1) a float, (2) a swimmer, and (3) a tether connecting the float and the swimmer. The swimmer generates thrust as the float moves up and down due to surface waves. A WPD is provided with a rigid tether that can be moved from (a) a first position (“adjacent position”) in which at least a part of the tether is adjacent to the float to (b) a second position (“extended position”) in which the tether (i) is extended below the float and (ii) is at least in part substantially rigid. The WPD can if desired be transported, stored, or launched while the tether is in the adjacent position, and the tether can be moved into the extended position after the device has been launched and remain in the extended position while the device is being operated.

Abstract: A concrete floating dock can be formed using a form that has an inner and an outer form. Concrete sections can be cast such that they include a deck portion and two longitudinally extending side walls that extend downwardly from the deck portion. The concrete sections can be removed from the form and coupled together to form a concrete floating dock. One or more buoyancy elements can be positioned in the cavities of the fully cured concrete sections before or after the concrete sections are coupled to each other.

Abstract: A floating vessel is equipped with perforated plates which exhibit both an added-mass effect and a damping effect. The addition of porosity to an added mass plate phase-shifts the added mass force so that it becomes at least partially a damping force which does not depend on large velocities to develop a large damping force. Preferred porosity is in the range of about 5% to about 15% of total plate area. A semi-submersible drilling rig may have damper plates fitted between its surface-piercing columns and/or extending from the sides of its pontoons. A truss spar offshore platform may have damper plates installed within its truss structure intermediate its hull and ballast tank. Drill ships and similar vessels may be equipped with damper plates extending from the sides of their hulls to reduce both heave and roll. In certain embodiments, the damper plates are retractable so as not to interfere with docking and to reduce drag while the vessel is underway.

Abstract: A coupling to engage and retain two adjacent buoyant marine bodies in a side to side abutting relationship, is described. The coupling has two coupling portions (9), one each on one of the two adjacent buoyant marine bodies. The coupling portion (“first coupling portion”) including a downwardly directed receiving recess that includes at least one bearing surface (7) that faces away from a plane of abutment of the two marine bodies and that increases in distance away from the plane of abutment from top to bottom. The coupling also having a locking bar to be retained by the other coupling portion (second coupling portion) in a manner to allow it to move vertically thereto and to project from the second coupling portion for engagement with the first coupling portion, the locking bar including a receiving surface (16) to abut with the bearing surface (7).