Abstract: A lift for water vehicles comprising a pair of vertical pipes or tracks attached adjacent their upper ends to one side only of a dock sructure which is positioned alongside a body of water, a tank assembly having a roller assembly thereon for engaging the sides of the pipes for rolling upwardly and downwardly thereon, the tank assembly having a tank mounted thereon and an upper opening for introducing air into the tank to displace water therefrom through a lower opening at the bottom of the tank so as to cause the tank to rise, the tank assembly having a pair of spaced padded blocks for supporting a water vehicle thereon, the roller assembly having rollers thereon adapted to rise along the inboard sides of the pipes when the tank assembly moves vertically in response the introduction of air to and removal of air from the tank, whereby, when a water vehicle is supported on the padded blocks and the tank assembly is in its lowermost position, air can be introduced into the tank while water is forced outwardly f

Abstract: A boat lift and leveler are provided in which the boat lift consists of a cradle supported by at least two pontoons laterally disposed beneath and fixed to the cradle. A leveler for the lift includes a pair of pneumatic duct systems. One of the systems connects to air vents on the starboard side pontoons and the other system connects to air vents on the port side pontoons. Each system includes an intake path, an exhaust path and a valve in each path. The intake path is connected to a source of air under pressure and the exhaust path extends to the atmosphere. An enclosure fixed to the lift lists to starboard or port with the lift. A V-shaped track rests in the enclosure. The track has a starboard arm which rotates below horizontal at a predetermined degree of starboard list of the enclosure and a port arm which rotates below horizontal at a predetermined degree of port list of the enclosure.

Abstract: A floating boat lift for lifting and supporting a boat above the surface of a body of water. The boat lift includes two elongated buoyant pontoons held in spaced apart, generally parallel relation by two transverse, generally U-shaped supports. Each transverse support has a lower, elongated mid portion, side portions upwardly extending from the ends of each mid portion, and upper horizontal end bearing portions which outwardly extend for pivotal connection with the respective pontoons. A cable mechanism is connected between a winch and the transverse supports whereby the supports are pivoted between a first position wherein a cradle connected to the mid portions is elevated above the water's surface and a second position wherein the cradle is submerged. Movement of each mid portion is along an arc defined generally by the length of side portions of each support.

Abstract: A boat lift for raising and lowering a boat in a boat slip disposed between spaced apart parallel dock sides, the lift having a pair of cross members disposed perpendicularly to the dock sides and supporting a boat support frame. The cross members are slidably connected to parallel guide arms angularly attachable to the dock sides via adjustable dock clamps. One or more tanks are attached to the cross members for supporting same at selected heights in a body of water, and pressure hoses and valves are provided for selectively admitting compressed air or water into the tanks for raising and lowering the boat support frame relative to the water.

Abstract: A boat lift for installation in a boat well in a boat dock between the opposing sides of the boat well to lift a boat out of the water and lower a boat into the water. The boat lift comprises a frame adapted to receive and support a boat, at least one pontoon mounted on the frame and adapted to be flooed and evacuated to lower and raise the frame, and a pair of forward and rearward supports on the frame. Each of the supports is supported between a pair of rollers on a mounting bracket on the side of the boatwell, the brackets supporting the supports so that the frame is sloped with the back of the frame being elevationally above the front of the frame.

Abstract: An inflation valve device which comprises a tee, a screwed bushing, a valve, and a hose having a hose adaptor. The inflation valve device is inserted in the hose of a pontoon type boat lift. The inflation valve device is used to release air stored in the pontoons to inflate various inflatable devices.

Abstract: The present invention sets forth an hydraulically operated boat lift for lifting small boats upwardly out of a body of water by simultaneously supplying water pressure to four support posts connected to four corner portions of a lifting frame. Each of the corner posts comprises an hydraulic cylinder with the cylinder body connected to the lifting frame and moveable vertically on its downwardly extending piston rod which forms support legs for the lift.

Abstract: A remote controlled boat lift comprises a remote transmitter unit that can selectively transmit one of two pre-determined RF signals, an up receiver and down receiver connected to operate a pressure pump system and valves for selectively inflating and deflating a pontoon supported framework for docking a boat.

Abstract: A shiplifting device comprising a platform (1) submersible in a basin and having a deck (2) and a downwardly open lifting skirt (3) positioned below the platform. The shiplifting device supplies and removes air from the lifting skirt and link arms (4, 4') connecting the platform with the quay or parts associated therewith, each link arm at mutually separated points being pivotally connected with the platform and the quay about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation (5, 6; 5',6'), so that the platform maintains its horizontal orientation. The link arms provide buoyancy, and the centers of buoyancy (7, 7') of each moves between a first area in the immediate vicinity of a horizontal plane through the axis of rotation (6, 6') of the link arm (4, 4') in question relative to the quay, and a second area in the immediate vicinity of a vertical plane through the same axis of rotation (6, 6').

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved system for raising, lowering and wet/dry storing of a craft supported thereon. This improvement includes pontoon means and structural frame means, respectively, for supporting said craft. The pontoon means and structural frame means are disposed for coactive movement one with respect to the other. The coactive operation of this system during the raising/lowering of the craft provides self-adjustability to the system. The amplitude of coactive movement of the pontoons/frame means can be limited so that the craft is not moved beyond its fully raised and lowered positions. This coactive movement and, more particularly, this limited coactive movement, is contrary to prior art boat lifts that include a fixed, immovable support framework in which only the craft lift is moved between respective raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: A floating dock comprises a base portion forming a floating pontoon and side portions made up of closed side boxes or tanks located on each side of said base and including detachable buoyancy boxes carried on the exterior of said side portions.

Abstract: A boat lift for a berth having permanently positioned piles in pairs spaced apart a distance sufficient to permit the boat to be berthed thereat to move between the paired piles while in the water includes a cradle having fore and aft transverse members upon which the boat is supported out of the water, a first pair of such piles equipped with first sheaves, a second pair of such piles with second sheaves, a third pair of such piles positioned between the first and second pairs adjacent the second second pair, first and second beams carried by the inside and outside piles of the second and third piles, motor driven winch drums supported by the first and second beams, third sheaves carried by the first and second beams, first inside and outside cables reeved respectively from the first and second drums via the first and second sheaves forward to the inside and outside piles of the first pair to lift the fore transverse member of the cradle, and second inside and outside cables reeved from the winch drums via t

Abstract: A method for constructing a large-scale marine structure, which comprises: providing, near a dock (2) of which at least one end faces the waters through a gate (6), a pond (5) having an end thereof facing the waters through another gate (6'); constructing in the dock (2) a plurality of blocks (1A, 1B) for the large-scale marine structure (1); towing out the plurality of blocks (1A, 1B) thus constructed from the dock (2) to the waters, and towing same into the pond (5); tack-welding together the plurality of blocks (1A, 1B) in the floating state in the pond (5); discharging water in the pond (5) to cause the plurality of blocks (1A, 1B) thus tack-welded together to land onto the bottom (5a) of the pond (5); and fully welding together the plurality of blocks (1A, 1B) tack-welded together to construct the large-scale marine structure (1).

Abstract: An impact pad for use in absorbing impact forces wherein the pad is composed of a first outer layer of an ultra-high molecular weight material, an intermediate layer of elastomeric material bonded to the first layer, a third or base layer of ultra-high molecular weight material wherein the base and the elastomeric layers have a plurality of laterally and longitudinally spaced bores to provide the resiliency to the impact forces on the outer layer.

Abstract: A dry dock having flotation chambers on two opposite sides of the load-carrying platform is submerged by flooding the flotation chambers. A reversible air pump is used to raise the dry dock by first blowing water out of the chambers then sucking water from the platform into the chambers and then again blowing water out of the chambers. The structure of the dry dock allows it to be used also as a submergible barge.

Abstract: A fiber-cement/plywood surface providing a preformed surface material for flooring, decking, walkways and roadways, more particularly for use with marine dock structures. The structure is formed by applying a coating of a polyester or epoxy resin over one surface of a sheet of plywood substructure so as to seal the substructure as the resin hardens, and also coating one surface of a fiber-cement sheet with a polyester or epoxy resin and allowing it to harden. A bonding agent, which comprises a catalyzed polyester or epoxy resin mixed with a thickening agent such as mill fibers or finely chopped fiberglass strands, is applied between the two facing resin surfaces of the respective plywood sheet and the fiber-cement sheet, whereby the two sheets are bonded together so as to form a single, somewhat-resilient, weatherproof and wear-resistant structure or panel. An alternative arrangement is also provided wherein the substructure is a thick plastic foam core encased in a fiberglass and polyester resin.

Abstract: A docking apparatus comprises a drive truck adapted to run along a side wall of a dock approximately horizontally, a surface treating truck connected to the drive truck at all times and having a hull surface treating device, and a docking truck connectable to and separable from the drive truck and having a retractable hull suction disk. The drive truck only is provided with drive units for running.

Abstract: A dry dock having flotation chambers on two opposite sides of the load-carrying platform is submerged by flooding the flotation chambers. A reversible air pump is used to raise the dry dock by first blowing water out of the chambers then sucking water from the platform into the chambers and then again blowing water out of the chambers. The structure of the dry dock allows it to be used also as a submergible barge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drydocking method and apparatus including a moment resisting arrangement for maintaining the drydocking device in a substantially horizontal plane while raising or lowering a vessel relative to a surface of a body of water. The drydocking device includes a submersible pontoon having a first side positioned adjacent to a single fixed structure and having an arrangement for selectively introducing air or water into at least one chamber within the pontoon for raising and lowering the pontoon, respectively. The pontoon has a moment resisting arrangement which includes a cable secured to the fixed structure and extending around a first sheave positioned adjacent to the first side of the pontoon. The cable extends across the pontoon and around a second sheave positioned adjacent to a second opposite side of the pontoon to an anchoring arrangement beneath the second side of the pontoon.

Abstract: A rotatable pontoon includes a floating cylinder provided with watertight compartments and having a hollow interior for receiving one or more vessels adapted to be overturned by rotation of the pontoon. Rotation is achieved by either external power or by successively displacing water from one compartment to another. An external platform attached to the pontoon maintains a normal upright position during rotation of the pontoon and serves to contain accessory equipment. Alternatively, this equipment is attached to a belt surrounding the pontoon and fastened to stationary flotation tanks. Floating roofs are included to allow operation during rainy days and for removing load fractions remaining after a vessel is overturned, pushing panels and helicoidal hatch-feeders are provided.

Abstract: In combination with a boat lift of the type having a plurality of opposed floatation tanks being affixed to a main structure and an horizontally disposed intermediate platform extending therebetween; a gunnel supporting system which comprises a plurality of paired stabilizing arms, and a crossbeam for each pair of stabilizing arms horizontally and transversely disposed beneath the platform; each pair of stabilizing arms consists of a first stabilizer arm and a second stabilizer arm transversely spaced from each other, each stabilizer arm being vertically disposed and extending through the platform so as to be pivotally connected to its associated crossbeam; a flange for pivotally connecting each stabilizer arm to its crossbeam, a retainer bolt for maintaining each stabilizer arm in a relative vertical position, a winch and a tension cable attached to the lower ends of the stabilizer arms for pivoting the same toward each other in a transverse plane thereby engaging the sides of a boat within the stabilizer ar

Abstract: The submersible drydock system of the present invention is one in which the buoyancy of the docking platform is altered to effect raising and lowering thereof. The submersible dock comprises a submersible platform having a buoyancy chamber formed therein. Foundations are located below the platform and a parallelogram linkage system interconnects the platform and the foundation. The parallelogram linkage system is operable to retain the platform in the generally horizontal plane in all positions during raising and lowering of the platform. A buoyancy control system is provided which communicates with the buoyancy chamber to vary the amount of air within the chamber to effect raising and lowering of the platform relative to the foundation.

Abstract: A bow dock for use in a two-step docking method to allow the repair or recement of a sonar-dome rubber window on a variety of classes of full draft vessels in harbors and other water of limited depth. The bow dock is provided with docking pedestals and alignment fenders which mate with docking brackets and fenders on the vessel to be docked. Each docking pedestal is provided with an electronic load cell to monitor the pedestal load during docking. The stern gate is fitted with an auxiliary gate and inserts designed to mate with the hull configuration of each vessel class. The stern gate is also provided with a slotted pivot hinge to facilitate sealing of the stern gate to the dock by hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract: A floating dry dock for a boat comprising a tubular, boat-supporting platform made from a planar array of interconnected PVC conduit (or similar material) and a pair of vertical, buoyant, tubular side walls connected to the platform. The dock includes an atmosphere venting system with its outlet above the water surface at all times connected to the base conduit platform and a freely positionable pump in fluid communication with the platform conduit array, which allows for the pumping of water into and out of the platform tubular array, which controls the depth level of the platform. The vertical side wall conduits are sealed and filled with air to add positive buoyancy to the platform to prevent it from sinking beyond a desired level. The diameter of each conduit of the ballasting tubular array for the platform is selected to accommodate boats of varying displacements. In operation, the device can be stored by floating adjacent a sea wall or the like.

Abstract: A submersible vessel, such as a barge, has a plurality of ballast compartments, each of which communicates with the exterior of the vessel through a separate riser, each terminating in an elongate vertical opening in the hull of the vessel. A vertically movable gate is positioned over said openings. At its uppermost limit of travel, the gate provides a conduit into the bottom portion of said openings so that water may be drawn into the ballast compartments through the risers in response to suction applied to the ballast compartments, thereby submerging the vessel. To raise the vessel, the gate is lowered to uncover the uppermost portion of said openings. Positive air pressure is applied to the ballast compartments to move the water upwardly through the risers and out of the vessel over the top of the gate.

Abstract: A floating dock of the type comprising a bottom structure and two side walls is provided with a service tunnel extending longitudinally through the bottom structure, and housing the ballast pumps. The bottom plating is inclined upwardly from the longitudinal middle line of the dock, and the outlets from the ballast pumps are formed so as to direct the flow of expelled water outwardly along the inclined bottom plating.

Abstract: A self stabilizing elevator float having a float body divided into a series of ballast tanks which are bailed or flooded to raise or lower the float body. A first pair of vertically displaceable towers are arranged at one end of the float. A second pair of towers at the opposite end of the float are displaced sufficiently transverse from the float so that the first and second pair of towers imparts longitudinal and transverse stability to the float.

Abstract: There is provided a floating caisson device for placing below and transversely to the bottom of a vessel hull in engagement with the lower portions of the hull side walls for providing a dry working space, especially for joining floating hull sections by welding, comprising a bottom channel with side wall members at the ends thereof, at least one side wall member being able to be brought into sealing engagement with the hull side wall, packing for sealing between the device and the hull, and ballast tanks for controlling the buoyancy of the device. Between at least one side wall member and the adjacent end of the bottom channel there is provided a flexible transition member conforming to the curvature of the hull for sealing engagement therewith when the side wall member is moved against the hull side, the packing being continuously extending along each side edge of the bottom channel, the transition member and the side wall member.

Abstract: A floating transfer vessel provides exterior mooring for a ship adapted to receive loose granular cargo, and interior dry-docking for a plurality of barges loaded with loose granular material within the transfer vessel. All relative motion between transfer vessel and barges, and between automated digging and conveying apparatus mounted in the transfer vessel and barge confines or cargo spaces are eliminated, to permit substantial reduction of working tolerances therebetween without possibility of damage. The reduced tolerances leaves very little grain to clean up requiring no additional independent equipment.

Abstract: A lifting device for raising a platform out of a liquid medium and lowering it back into the liquid medium comprises a tank supporting the platform and connected to a side wall of the space containing the liquid medium through a linkage pivoted to the side wall and to the tank. To raise the platform air is pumped into the tank and to lower it the air is displaced by the liquid medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a working method of breaking up a ship, particularly a large ship, and is characterized by cutting the hull to shorten the length thereof as it is floating on the sea, and more particularly characterized by, on the cutting of the hull, inserting a buoyancy body under the stem portion or the stern portion to trim the hull and floating up said portion and locating there a marine workshop, drawing the hull into the marine workshop while performing breaking up the hull. According to the present invention, it is possible to break up a hull without special harbor facilities and even at locations such as the lee of island and other position where there is no harbor facilities. Also, since the hull is drawn in the marine workshop and broken up to shorten the length of the hull, the working is greatly simplified compared with a prior method wherein the hull is broken up to shorten the height thereof, and as a result the working period can be shortened.

Abstract: A floating dry dock system comprises a main or central boxlike dry dock which for example may include a bottom and a side wall on each side and a lifting pontoon associated with the central unit which is adapted to be flooded so as to be positionable completely across the bottom of the central unit. The pontoon made of a size sufficient to permit it to be ballasted to raise the central unit above the level of the water so that the portions thereof which are not covered by a pontoon are freely accessible on their bottoms above the sea level. The pontoon advantageously includes at least one console on one side to accommodate the ballasting equipment and it has advantageously mated separable bottom box shaped tanks which are interconnected with a side tank having a console and upward extension.

Abstract: A boat lift for lifting and storing boats out of the water, the lift being arranged for mounting in a boat well having opposed parallel vertical sidewalls spaced above the surface of a body of water, the lift including two pairs of trunnion members affixed to the boat well sidewalls, one pair being in a forward horizontal axial alignment and the other pair in a rearward horizontal axial alignment, the axii being parallel to each other, a frame adapted to be lowered into the water to receive a boat floating in the water thereon and to be raised with the boat on the frame to lift it clear of the water for storage, the frame having a forward pair of guide members and a rearward pair of guide members, each pair of guide members being parallel to each other and each guide member having an elongated slot therein which slidably receives one of the trunnion members, the slot in each of the four guide members being of the same angular relationship to the vertical of between 15.degree. and 75.degree.

Abstract: A transportable boat lift including a framework having a base portion and a boat support portion mounted on the base portion for vertically directed movement between extended or boat supporting and non-supporting or retracted positions, and at least one flotation device coupled to the framework for effecting submersion/emersion thereof incident to such movements of the boat support portion relative to the base portion.

Abstract: A pontoon system for supporting watercraft on a body of water having a submersible structure comprised of pontoons into which air is injected expelling the water therefrom to provide lift for the system, and a frame which maintains the pontoons in fixed spaced relationship. The frame includes support pads which extend upwardly therefrom and which contact the hull and keel of the watercraft for support purposes. The pontoons are divided into chambers by bulkheads which allow the water to be forced from the front portion of the pontoons first. Thus, the front of the watercraft is lifted initially which stabilizes the watercraft and the pontoon system before the usually heavier aft portion of the watercraft is lifted; this reduces the possibility that the watercraft will become unstable during the lifting process. Air may be released from said pontoons for lowering the pontoon system into the water. A safety system is provided to lower the system into the water if a leak develops.

Abstract: The invention described and disclosed herein is a dry dock for boats which consists of a frame, formed supports for the boat hull, guides used in docking and lateral support for the docked boat, air bladders to provide flotation, air control valves with an air-line system, and guides to restrain the dry dock to a stall in a marina. The dry dock provides a dry stowage of the boat, which is free from ice damage during the winter season and a means of effecting hull and propeller maintenance without beaching the vehicle or using heavy-duty facilities.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to lifting boats and barges within a dry dock by means of compressed air. The air is conducted from compressor through hose lines to open bottomed compartments of the floating dry dock and controlled by remote actuated valves whereby either through adding air or venting air from the dock compartments the dock may be trimmed fore and aft as well as athwart ship to assure registry with a yard marine railway system. Support legs guide the up and down movement of the dock to assure alignment with the marine railway so that the vessel within the dock may be transferred by a dolly and rail system to the yard rail system.

Abstract: A floating dock boat lift comprises a flat deck and a parent structure to which the deck is hinged. The free end of the deck over-lies a variable buoyancy chamber communicating by pipes or hoses to an inlet air pump on or near the parent structure and to an air release valve on or near the deck. Alternately, air venting, for buoyancy control in under-deck compartments, may be facilitated through valves at each compartment. The deck is provided with a combination metal and wood boat-supporting keel brace and underlying reinforcement members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a boat dry docking apparatus for installation in a boat dock having substantially parallel sides. An elongated frame is provided adapted to be disposed horizontally in the boat dock and a boat supporting cradle and flotation tank are mounted on the frame. A pair of spaced apart arm members are pivotally attached at the lower ends thereof to each side of the frame and bolts are connected to the upper ends of the arm members for pivotally connecting the upper ends to the sides of the boat dock.