Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a self-launching superstructure for a vessel, the superstructure including: a floatable hull having a forward bottom portion sloping downwardly from near a waterline near a bow end of the superstructure to a point near a stern end of the superstructure; the forward bottom portion being engagable with a corresponding sloped floor on the vessel when the superstructure is mounted on the vessel, the sloped floor terminating at an edge of the vessel, such that the superstructure, under gravitational force, may slide from the vessel into water in which the vessel is floating; and apparatus to releasably secure the superstructure on the vessel with the forward bottom portion of the hull engaging the sloped floor.

Abstract: A method for joining modules of ships. Ship modules are fabricated in individual bays of fabrication buildings and then moved out of the buildings for attachment together to form the ship on water. This eliminates the need for large dry docks or launch areas. The modules are floated and positioned such that the edges to be joined are adjacent or abutting each other. A flexible strap may be positioned tightly against the joint exterior to prevent water entry or a floating structure may be positioned under the modules such that a circular cross section backing seal the joint to prevent water entry. The interior of the modules is dewatered and the modules are then welded together. The modules may be positioned adjacent each other above the waterline through the use of a barge and dry dock to eliminate the need for dewatering.

Abstract: A recreational water craft useable as a vehicle and as a swimming facility has first and second floatable components, the first having a deck supported by a pair of compartmented pontoons. The compartments have water and air inlet and discharge facilities and are adapted for flooding and blowing by connection with a control system that includes a pressurized air source and valves for pressurizing and bleeding air from the compartments so as to move the first component between a first position with the deck above water and a second position with the deck submerged. The second floatable component has a main floatable section with an annular pontoon that rests on the deck during the vehicle mode of use as when the first component is at the first position. The pontoon has a vertical opening and which surrounds the deck passenger area. A floatable aft section is pivotally connected to the main section and provides a mounting place for an outboard motor.

Abstract: A variable capacity floating articulated barge assembly including two barges which are pivotally connected at their mating ends. An elongated structure to be launched is jacked to initiate it sliding along skidways on each barge toward one end region where a pivotal support member finally supports this structure prior to it being launched from this barge assembly. During launching the barges and the support member of this assembly pivot with respect to each other depending upon the degree and location of the load.

Abstract: A movable, submersible, transversely extending bulkhead for use in a swimming pool. The bulkhead has an elongated hollow body with top, bottom, end and side walls and a pair of spaced air chambers positioned toward each of its ends. Positioned between and substantially equidistant from each of the air chambers is at least one core of buoyant material. The bulkhead also utilizes means for selectively controlling the quantity of air and water within the chambers for regulating the buoyancy of the bulkhead. The bulkhead may be moved along the length of a swimming pool through increasing the buoyancy of the bulkhead by displacing the water contained in the chambers, shifting the bulkhead to a new longitudinally spaced position within the pool, and decreasing the buoyancy of the bulkhead by allowing water to reenter the chambers.

Abstract: In order to make possible a "self-docking" of a floating dock, the dock is divided into a middle pontoon and two end pontoons, which are interconnectable in alternative positions in the vertical direction, so either the middle pontoon, or the end pontoons may be lifted out of the water. The pontoons are held together by bolts, which are accessible from cofferdam-like spaces, formed when two pontoons are fitted together, and which may be maintained watertight. Male and female coupling members are furthermore provided to secure the pontoons in their two operative positions. During a disconnecting and connecting operation the pontoons are guided by rigid link arms, chains or the like.

Abstract: A placement and retrieval modular barge arrangement for off-shore well drilling equipment comprising at least two separable barge sections having an arrangement for being joined together, each barge section being made of a floatable hull having a deck capable of carrying thereon sections of a blow-out collar or other equipment, the barge having a central opening formed therein for surrounding a well drilling derrick when the barge sections are joined together, each barge section being provided with a radially movable platform arrangement slidably supported in the hull thereof, and an arrangement for actuating the platform arrangement to retract it to the confines of the central opening or extend it therefrom a distance sufficient to support a blow-out collar or other equipment during assembly or disassembly thereof.

Abstract: Floating dock for making elongate, cast concrete constructions by producing in sequence sections of the construction in a drainable work chamber is disclosed. The dock has a base and a pair of permanent upstanding sides facing inwardly towards each other provided with a first set of fixed fastening members for locating anchoring members for the fastening of boarding members with associated reinforcing elements in a first position in the dock where a first section of the construction is cast. A second set of fixed fastening members in series with the first set is for fastening by way of corresponding anchoring members at least portions of the first section in a second position in the dock where a second section of the construction is moulded as a continuation of the first section.

Abstract: The weapons units of a warship may be formed in remotely prefabricated modular sub-assemblies which are capable of interchangeable mounting at different locations on the warship by an arrangement which includes a standardized adapter device structurally formed as part of the warship and defining the opening of a compartment into which the modular sub-assembly of the weapons unit is mounted. The weapons unit modular sub-assembly consists of a container within which the weapons unit is prefabricated. The weapons unit container and the adapter unit on the warship are both formed with mating structural parts having standardized sizes and configurations in order to enable interchangeability of the sub-assemblies. Although each sub-assembly may be formed with a different weapons unit, the container for the weapons unit of each sub-assembly is uniformly structured in a standardized manner complementing the adapter unit on the warship.

Abstract: A self-elevating marine platform having a main hull whose length and width dimensions can be readily varied without thereby disturbing the main design of the platform. Added externally to the main hull are at least three auxiliary hulls which are separate and distinct from the main hull. The auxiliary hulls are welded to the port, starboard, and forward ends of the main hull. Each auxiliary hull contains a leg-elevating unit for receiving a leg therein whereby the unit, when energized, will cause the platform to move up or down on the legs which are arranged in a tripod. Each auxiliary hull forms a ballast or preload tank of sufficient volume to exert, when loaded with liquid, all the required mass on its leg.

Abstract: A system of subaqueous excavation and material removal having the combination of a hopper dredging vessel, hopper barges with independent dumping capacity and a prime mover vessel such as a tug, each barge having a stern notch and a bow portion which is contoured to be received in a like stern notch of an adjacent barge so that two or more barges can be arranged and affixed into an assemblage, end-to-end with bow portions fitting and secured into the stern notches. The dredging vessel and prime mover vessel also have like bow portions whereby they can connect into the assemblage. Rapid and effective securing of the assemblage, the dredging vessel and prime mover vessel are obtained through pneumatic fenders attached to the sides of the stern notches and a pneumatically controlled cushioning fender couple attached to the stem which is received between vertical expansible fenders at the apex of the stern notch.

Abstract: Method of navigation of a first barge on sea and/or on inland waters, consisting in securing to the first barge a removable propelling plant allowing the barge to navigate on the sea, the first barge being joined side by side with a second barge bearing the propelling plant which is subjected to a lateral displacement with respect to the two barges until it reaches a predetermined position on the first barge before being locked thereto.