Boat Detaching Patents (Class 294/82.27)
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Patent number: 11530017Abstract: A field configurable autonomous vehicle includes modular elements and attachable components. The vehicle can be assembled from these modular elements and components to meet desired mission and performance characteristics without the need to purchase specially designed vehicles for each mission. The vehicle can include a module that enables the vehicle to be scuttled or destroyed.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2020Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Eric Seeley
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Patent number: 9315239Abstract: A mooring apparatus that includes an actuator connected to a mooring hook and the mooring base. The actuator provides translational movement of the mooring hook towards the mooring base. The mooring apparatus also includes a vessel motion detection system and a mooring apparatus control system. The mooring apparatus may include a mooring line tension gauge. The vessel motion detection system provides an input indicative of vessel motion to the mooring apparatus control system. The mooring apparatus control system then provides an output signal to the appropriate mooring system(s) which results in adjustment of the mooring line tension in the appropriate mooring system(s). Methods for use thereof are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2013Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Keith Gill, Roald T. Lokken
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Patent number: 9226549Abstract: A tag hanger is provided and may include a first portion having a first attachment feature and a first locking element movable from an unlocked state to a locked state. The tag hanger may additionally include a second portion having a second attachment feature rotatably attached to the first attachment feature and a second locking element movable from an unlocked state to a locked state. The second portion may cooperate with the first portion to define an aperture that attaches the first portion and the second portion to an external structure when the first and second locking elements are in the locked state.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2012Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: Y-TEX CORPORATIONInventors: Walter Lee Hammond, Ronald Kevin Knapp
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Patent number: 8607418Abstract: A latching mechanism for use in securing a boat that is afloat, includes a main body having a channel for accepting a line that will hold the boat. A latching member is pivotally secured within the main body and is movable between a position that closes off the channel and movable to a position which opens the channel, the latching member being pivotable about a pivot point on the main body. A spring force holds the latching member in a closed position and a cable attached to the latching member at a location on an opposite side of the pivot point pivots the latching member to an open position.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2008Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Inventor: Mark Ebbenga
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Patent number: 8511248Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2012Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Survival Systems International, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Mora, Sidney Medley, Russell Tuckerman, Roger Lopez
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Patent number: 8215257Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2007Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Survival Systems InternationalInventors: Anthony Mora, Sidney Medley, Russell Tuckerman, Roger Lopez
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Patent number: 7832350Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2007Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Survival Systems International, Inc.Inventors: Tony Mora, Sidney Medley, Russell Tuckerman, Roger Lopez
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Patent number: 7536970Abstract: A manually actuated hydraulic cylinder with a retractable piston for varying the distance between two cables secured to a barge attachment ring on the end of the cylinder and a pelican hook and keeper disposed on the end of the piston as used in the marine industry for coupling barges.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2007Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Inventors: Patrick M McCoy, William H Hiller, III
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Publication number: 20090033112Abstract: A lifting device for connecting a lifting member to an object to be lifted. The device is particularly useful for attaching a lifting member to an unmanned underwater vehicle under open sea conditions. The device includes a first member to be connected to the lifting member and to be lowered together with the same guided by a rope ending at a second member, the second member being attached to the object in advance. The first member defines an opening for the second member such that when the first member is lowered guided by the rope, the second member will, due to the special shape of the two members, enter into the opening of the first member and establish a connection strong enough for lifting the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Applicant: SAAB ABInventors: Lars Westerlind, Anders Kanskar, Lars Lundberg
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Patent number: 7412941Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2006Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Survival Systems International, Inc.Inventors: Tony Mora, Sidney Medley, Russell Tuckerman, Roger Lopez
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Patent number: 7360498Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Survival Systems International, Inc.Inventors: Tony Mora, Sidney Medley, Russell Tuckerman, Roger Lopez
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Publication number: 20080084078Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2007Publication date: April 10, 2008Inventors: Tony Mora, Sidney Medley, Russell Tuckerman, Roger Lopez
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Patent number: 7028627Abstract: A submersible vehicle launch and recovery system comprises a grab comprising at least two arms capable of moving relative to each other, the arms being rotatable between an open position and a closed position, in which closed position the jaws of the arms are able to grip a handling feature on a submersible vehicle. The arms comprise attachment means so arranged that the arms tend to close when the system is suspended by the said attachment means, at least one arm comprising buoyancy means so distributed as to tend to open the said arm when the system is submerged.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2005Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: ECAInventors: David Laurent Claude Bouchaud, Pierre-Yves Eugene Jean Le Bigot
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Patent number: 6920839Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2004Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Inventor: Dean M. Pelley
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Patent number: 6193432Abstract: A hook and unhooking coupling device for enabling a user to easily attach or remove a latch hook from a boat or other object. The inventive device includes a pole member, and an engaging member having an opening and a tongue member secured to the distal end of the pole. The engaging member comprises a first member secured to a second member having an open V-shaped cross sectional area. A first edge is secured to the first member and a second edge is secured to the second member while leaving the opening unobstructed. The engaging member is removably positionable about the eyelet member of a latch hook for opening the spring latch while simultaneously retaining the latch hook firmly thereby allowing the user to manipulate the pole member so that the latch hook is positioned about a desired hook.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Inventor: William R. Kampfert