Abstract: A suspension system for a lifeboat comprises a pair of hook assemblies adapted for connection at spaced locations to a lifeboat and for coupling respectively to a pair of suspension cables, each hook assembly comprising a hook member pivoted for movement about a pivotal axis between a closed setting where the line of action of a load on the hook member when in use passes substantially through the pivotal axis thereof and an open setting where an associated suspension cable is released from the hook member, each hook assembly further comprising an internal safety system that prevents the hook member from opening inadvertently; and a control mechanism for the pair of hook assemblies.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for the hydrostatic interlock of a lifeboat includes a pressure cylinder provided with a valve. A positive-negative pressure annular fastener made of soft plastic material is assembled on the topside of the pressure cylinder and has its topside formed with an attaching surface. A U-shaped support frame is fixed at the outer side of the pressure cylinder, and a telescopic support holder is connected to the U-shaped support frame. An anchor base is positioned under the telescopic support holder, and a manual pump has a tube connected to the valve, and installed with a pressure gauge. The testing apparatus for the hydrostatic interlock of a lifeboat in the invention can simulate the launchings pressure of a lifeboat to carry out actual hooks release in a lifeboat drill, able to ensure safety of lives of the personnel who participate in the drill.

Abstract: Quick release/lock apparatus in fall preventer device for a lifeboat is consist of a connecting base, two springs, two pins, two pin handles, two stoppers and a U-shaped bar. The two springs and the two pins are respectively secured into two chambers of the connecting base, and one end of the two pins is respectively abutted to the two springs. The two pin handles are respectively inserted into to two sliding grooves of the connecting base and on the two pins. The two stoppers are respectively stuffed into holes of the connecting base The U-shaped bar is connected to the connecting base. Therefore, an operator can simply use two fingers to pull the two pin handles in order to drive the two pins moving inwardly in opposite direction so the U-shaped bar can be quickly released or locked into the connecting base.

Abstract: A suspension system for a lifeboat comprises a pair of hook assemblies adapted for connection at spaced locations to a lifeboat and for coupling respectively to a pair of suspension cables, each hook assembly comprising a hook member pivoted for movement about a pivotal axis between a closed setting where the line of action of a load on the hook member when in use passes substantially through the pivotal axis thereof and an open setting where an associated suspension cable is released from the hook member, each hook assembly further comprising an internal safety system that prevents the hook member from opening inadvertently; and a control mechanism for the pair of hook assemblies.

Abstract: A coupling for coupling a fall (26) to a lifeboat (1) comprising locking portions and a receiving portion constituting a hollow (10) having a open end and an upwardly facing aperture (15). The locking portion (25), hollow (10) and aperture (15) having a form preventing the locking portion (25) from passing through the aperture (15). The coupling further comprises actuators (30, 35, 39) controlled by a controller (40). A string (27) may be provided for easy retrieval of the locking portions upon the retrieval of the lifeboat (1).

Abstract: A suspension system for a lifeboat comprises a pair of hook assemblies each adapted for connection at spaced locations to a lifeboat and for coupling to the lifting links of a pair of suspension cables. Each hook assembly has a hook member pivoted for movement between a closed setting and an open setting and is of a load over center design. A single control mechanism is provided for both hook assemblies and is connected thereto by way of a pair of flexible cables. A primary release mechanism is arranged to pull the cables and so move the hook members to their open settings when the lifeboat is floating. Under emergency conditions when the hook assemblies are heavily loaded, an emergency release mechanism is arranged to move the hook members to their open settings notwithstanding the relatively large load thereon.

Abstract: A coupling for coupling a fall (26) to a lifeboat (1) comprising locking portions and a receiving portion constituting a hollow (10) having a open end and an upwardly facing aperture (15). The locking portion (25), hollow (10) and aperture (15) having a form preventing the locking portion (25) from passing through the aperture (15). The coupling further comprises actuators (30, 35, 39) controlled by a controller (40). A string (27) may be provided for easy retrieval of the locking portions upon the retrieval of the lifeboat (1).

Abstract: A suspension system for a lifeboat comprises a pair of hook assemblies each adapted for connection at spaced locations to a lifeboat and for coupling to the lifting links of a pair of suspension cables. Each hook assembly has a hook member pivoted for movement between a closed setting and an open setting and is of a load over centre design. A single control mechanism is provided for both hook assemblies and is connected thereto by way of a pair of flexible cables. A primary release mechanism is arranged to pull the cables and so move the hook members to their open settings when the lifeboat is floating. Under emergency conditions when the hook assemblies are heavily loaded, an emergency release mechanism is arranged to move the hook members to their open settings notwithstanding the relatively large load thereon.

Abstract: A suspension system for a lifeboat comprises a pair of hook assemblies (22) each adapted for connection at spaced locations to a lifeboat and for coupling to the lifting links (14) of a pair of suspension cables. Each hook assembly has a hook member (34) pivoted for movement between a closed setting (FIG. 4) and an open setting (FIG. 5) and is of a load over center design. A single control mechanism (23) is provided for both hook assemblies and is connected thereto by way of a pair of flexible cables (24,25). A primary release mechanism (26,67,68,61) is arranged to pull the cables and so move the hook members to their open settings when the lifeboat is floating. Under emergency conditions when the hook assemblies are heavily loaded, an emergency release mechanism (28,75,72,57) is arranged to move the hook members (34) to their open settings notwithstanding the relatively large load thereon.

Abstract: A coupling for coupling a fall (26) to a lifeboat (1) comprising locking portions and a receiving portion constituting a hollow (10) having a open end and an upwardly facing aperture (15). The locking portion (25), hollow (10) and aperture (15) having a form preventing the locking portion (25) from passing through the aperture (15). The coupling further comprises actuators (30, 35, 39) controlled by a controller (40). A string (27) may be provided for easy retrieval of the locking portions upon the retrieval of the lifeboat (1).

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for supporting and releasing a twin fall lifeboat, comprising a pair of hooks releasably engaged with a corresponding pair of lifting links; and a lifeboat release assembly. The lifeboat release assembly includes a release handle, a release arm, an emergency release shaft, a weighted rack, and a pair of flexible cables attached at first ends to the rack and attached at second ends to the hooks. The release handle attaches to the release arm at a pivot point. The release arm includes a wheel disposed within a wheel encasement attached to the weighted rack. The system includes an engaged configuration in which the lifting links are secured by the hooks. The release handle is pulled to release the lifting links from the hooks substantially simultaneously. An emergency ratchet lever engages with the emergency release shaft for releasing the twin fall lifeboat under load.

Abstract: A suspension system for a lifeboat comprises a pair of hook assemblies (22) each adapted for connection at spaced locations to a lifeboat and for coupling to the lifting links (14) of a pair of suspension cables. Each hook assembly has a hook member (34) pivoted for movement between a closed setting (FIG. 4) and an open setting (FIG. 5) and is of a load over centre design. A single control mechanism (23) is provided for both hook assemblies and is connected thereto by way of a pair of flexible cables (24,25). A primary release mechanism (26,67,68,61) is arranged to pull the cables and so move the hook members to their open settings when the lifeboat is floating. Under emergency conditions when the hook assemblies are heavily loaded, an emergency release mechanism (28,75,72,57) is arranged to move the hook members (34) to their open settings notwithstanding the relatively large load thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (206) for manually releasing nautical life saving equipment, e.g. containers for inflatable life rafts. The release arrangement (206) is located as a connecting link between a first rope arrangement (205) and a second rope arrangement (215) adapted to fixating the life saving equipment. The second rope arrangement (215) forms a loop (213) encircling the first rope arrangement (205). The first rope arrangement (205) is fixed to a connecting stick (207) so that the connecting stick (207) together with the first rope arrangement (205) forms a stop preventing the loop (213) of the second rope arrangement (215) to run along the first rope arrangement (205). The connecting stick (207) is adapted, at release, to turn around an axis formed by the loop (213) of the second rope arrangement (215). The axis is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the rope arrangements.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for launching into the water, from a height H greater than a predetermined height hmax, a life-saving object designed to be able to be launched into the water in free fall from this maximum height hmax. One end of a halyard is fixedly hooked to the life-saving object or to the launch site; the halyard functionally cooperates respectively with the launch site or the life-saving object so that the life-saving object falling by gravity is braked on and/or by the halyard over at least one part (H-hmax) of its drop height. By controlling the braking effect, the life-saving object, falling from the height H in a braked manner over at least one part (H-hmax) of this height hits the surface of the water (5) with a kinetic energy not exceeding that which it would have at the end of a non-braked free fall from at most the height hmax.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lifeboat disengagement system for supporting and releasing a twin fall lifeboat, the system comprising a single lifeboat release assembly and a pair of hook assemblies for releasable engagement with a corresponding pair of lifting links. The lifeboat disengagement system includes an engaged configuration wherein the lifting links are secured by the hook assemblies, and a disengaged configuration wherein the lifeboat release assembly is employed to release the lifting links from the hook assemblies simultaneously. The lifeboat disengagement system provides positive locking under load including a load over center design such that a load of the lifeboat is in line with a center of hook rotation, thereby preventing the hook from opening inadvertently and eliminating the need for a hydrostatic device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for supporting and releasing a twin fall lifeboat, comprising a pair of hooks releasably engaged with a corresponding pair of lifting links, and a lifeboat release assembly including a release handle, a release arm, a weighted rack, and a pair of flexible cables attached at first ends to the rack and attached at second ends to the hooks, wherein the release handle is attached to the release arm at a pivot point, wherein the release arm includes a wheel disposed within a wheel encasement attached to the weighted rack, wherein the system includes an engaged configuration in which the lifting links are secured by the hooks, and wherein the release handle is pulled by an operator, rotating the release arm about the boss, thereby lifting the weighted rack and pulling the flexible cables release the lifting links from the hooks substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: The lifeboat release mechanism has a hook movably mounted therein. This hook has a concave surface on its lower end. A latch block having a convex surface thereon is also movably mounted therein. In a holding mode, the convex surface of the latch block is laid against the concave surface of the hook. In a release mode, the convex surface is below the concave surface. In a first aspect of the invention, the concave surface extends above and below an axis of rotation of the latch block to prevent an unattended release of the mechanism. In another aspect, the concave surface and the convex surface have a same radius of curvature to prevent localized wear thereon. In a third aspect, the latch lock is rotatable over an angular displacement of 80° between a holding position and a release position, such that the releasing of the mechanism is predictable.

Abstract: A control system to control the descent of a seafaring vessel, such as a lifeboat, into water is disclosed herein. The control system, and an accompanying method, control the descent speed of the seafaring vessel to minimise the possibility of setback after splashdown, and thus increase the probability of a safe and orderly launch.

Abstract: A motion compensation winch has a number of operating modes to launch and recover a boat and take into account wave movement. The winch has a cable drum for winding a cable thereon, a secondary gear reduction to rotate the drum, a primary gear reduction between a hydraulic motor shaft and the secondary gear reduction, a rotational sensor to sense direction of cable drum rotation, a load sensor to determine when a tension on the cable is above or below a predetermined value and a secondary clutch to disengage the cable drum and permit the cable drum to rotate freely. The winch has a manual mode for manual operation, and four operational modes, an automatic launch mode, a motion compensation mode to keep the cable taut while a boat rises and falls on waves, a free wheel mode and a recovery mode for recovering a boat that is rising and falling on waves.

Abstract: An improved release device for safety equipment has a housing including a body, a cover attached thereto with a resilient flexible membrane inserted therebetween, and an attachment portion releasably secured to the cover. The cover has shoulders protruding radial inward within the bore. The release device has a cap rigidly mounted to the membrane and an annular gap exits between the shoulders and the cap. The attachment portion has elastically flexible legs with enlarged ends that extend into the bore. The ends deflect inwardly when engaged by the shoulders and then spring outwardly and are retained in a recess below the gap because the enlarged ends are wider than the gap. When the pressure forces the membrane to move away from the bore, the cap moves with it to enlarge the gap and allow the legs of the attachment portion to escape from the cover, whereby the safety equipment is released when the water pressure is sufficiently high. The device is testable and may be reset and reused at will.

Abstract: A cylindrical plug made of elastomeric material is introduced into a cylindrical cartridge. The rim of the cartridge is swagged-in to reduce the diameter of its opening to one-third of the cartridge internal diameter and of the closely matching plug external diameter. The cartridge is held in a chamber. A tube slidingly passing through the wall of the chamber comes in contact with the plug, and holds it within the container while the chamber is filled with a highly pressurized fluid. As the cartridge is filled with the pressurized fluid the plug is tightly held against the internal end of the tube. The tube is partially withdrawn drawing the plug against the swagged opening of the cartridge. As the tube continues to be withdrawn its internal open end is separated from the plug, and pressurized fluid begins escaping through the tube indicating that the cartridge is filled. The pressurized fluid can now be evacuated from the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus provides additional safety during the launching of survival craft from a ship or platform by which it is attached. A safety strop is comprised of a connecting line which is attached at its upper end to a means for lowering a launch pendant and a lifeboat. the lifeboat is equipped with an on load release means for launching it. The lower end of the connecting line is attached to a released means such as a shackle or a pelican hook. The connecting line release means is releaseably connected to a hang off lug assembly, which is attached to the on load release means. The connecting line has a longer length than the launch pendant, so that no load is carried by the connecting line unless the lifeboat is prematurely released from the launch pendant.

Abstract: A device for disengaging a wire loop or cable loop either when the hook (2) is unloaded or loaded, when, in the first case, only the locking pivot (9) is removed, or, in the second case, the load is moved onto a hydraulic system (8), whereafter the pivot (9) can be removed and disengagement takes place by discharging the pressure from the hydraulic system (8). After disengagement the hook (2) returns by itself to its original position and can instantly be relocked by the pivot (9) for reloading. Additional safety mechanism can be provided if necessary.

Abstract: The present system discloses an improved self-aligning quick release coupling system capable of releasably joining any two or more of a great variety of male/female mating items to be joined at the option of the user. This improved system includes a lock and key system that provides capability for the coupling system to be safely locked into the coupling mode or released from the coupling mode. The system includes a male connecting member having a securing end. The supporting structure, or housing, can be positioned in the side walls of a small boat and the securing end of the male connecting member connected to an oar on a securing rope. A ball member of the male connecting member is freely rotatable between the female mating members positioned in the housing so as to provide rowing and free riding, tying and lifting capabilities.

Abstract: A device for the suspension and release of a lifeboat comprises a holding member (5) pivotally mounted in a support (1) for attachment to the boat, and in which a pair of concave gripping rollers (6, 7) are pivotally mounted for engagement with a spherical suspension member (8) at the end of a suspension line. The rollers are articulated to the support by respective force-transferring carrying elements (16, 17), and the holding member is shaped to maintain the rollers in force-dependent, self-blocking engagement with the suspension member when this is loaded and the holding member is in a closed position. A release device comprises an operating arm (22) pivotally mounted in the support (1) and rotatable so that the holding member is forcedly driven in an engagement-releasing movement, and which, by a safety device (24) is lockable in a position in which the holding member is blocked in the closed position.

Abstract: A rescue system for a marine structure such as an offshore drilling rig or production platform includes an enclosed type life boat constructed to be supported on board the marine structure by being releasably suspended over free water from a single point or fulcrum. The fulcrum is located relative to the center of gravity of the life boat such that the latter, in its suspended position, adopts a predetermined slanting orientation which it maintains substantially constant throughout its free fall when released from its suspension.

Abstract: A device for releasing a life boat or the like from a hoisting cable, said device comprising a lifting members (13) attached to the boat, a hook (15) being pivotably mounted at said lifting member, said hook being openable by a releasing device. The object of the invention is to provide a releasing device for emergency situations when the normal releasing device is not functioning and which should be releasable even when the full weight of the boat loads the hooks. This has been achieved by the fact that the lifting member (13) is displaceable in its longitudinal direction and that a locking device (29) actuatable by an emergency device is arranged for blocking the lifting member from displacement.

Abstract: Disengaging apparatus including a hook having its pivot point and its engaging point substantially vertically aligned, being positioned between a pair of plates and having an integral counterweight extending laterally from the engaging point. A first link is attached at one end to the lateral extension and at the other end to the first end of a second link which rotates about a fixed point. The links have a first extended position under a load and rotate to a second position, thereby rotating a constant-radius engaging surface of the hook about its center at the pivot point of the hook in light or no load situations. Additionally, a stop and locking members may be provided to prevent accidental release of the hook.