Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a mesenchymal stem cell attractant capable of attracting a mesenchymal stem cell; and others. The present invention provides a mesenchymal stem cell attractant containing at least one selected from the group consisting of an extract of a Bodhi tree, an extract of the root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews, an extract of Mallotus philippinensis, an extract of Uncaria gambir an extract of Pashanbheda, and an extract of a plant belonging to the genus Prunus.

Abstract: A boat lift apparatus is disclosed. The boat lift apparatus includes a base structure having a first frame section erected over a barrier juxtaposed to a first body of water, the base structure having a second frame section that may be cantilevered over the first body of water and a lift frame operatively coupled with the base structure. The boat lift apparatus further includes a cradle assembly including at least one boat support for receiving a boat and carrying the boat across the barrier, the cradle assembly being moveably coupled to the lift frame. The boat lift apparatus further includes at least one hydraulic cylinder secured to the lift frame and operatively connected to the cradle assembly, wherein activation of the at least one hydraulic cylinder moves the cradle assembly up or down in the vertical direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for hoisting a ship. A transfer truck located on the shore moves to the interior of a raising/lowering lift by means of a set of movable rails so as to be able to unload the ship floating on a water surface. Lift-side support blocks, which are spaced apart from each other, are gradually raised under water to float the ship on the water surface. Truck-side support blocks, which are spaced apart from each other in a manner similar to the lift-side support blocks, move to the interior of the raising/lowering lift. Thereby, the lift-side support blocks, which are spaced apart from each other, are lowered through gaps between the truck-side support blocks while crossing the truck-side support blocks so as to allow the ship to be safely unloaded.

Abstract: A transportation system and method of transferring a barge from a waterway and to a refurbishing system. The transportation system includes transport systems that move the barge out of water and onto to a position away from the water, then moves the barge into the refurbishing system. The transport systems then move the refurbished barge back into the water.

Abstract: A refurbishing system for refurbishing a barge includes transport systems that pull the barge out of water and onto a shelf above water level, then pull the barge into a covered blast system and a covered coating system. A reclamation system receives spent abrasive media. The transport systems then move the refurbished barge back into the water. The transport systems move the barge without substantially tilting it or changing its orientation.

Abstract: A watercraft lifting system includes a bunk rail assembly, an intermediate frame assembly, a base assembly and a ground support assembly. The bunk rail assembly includes a bunk rail coupled to a load distribution member. The load distribution member is received by the bunk rail such that the bunk rail may rotate by at least a limited amount relative to the load distribution member. The bunk rail may slideably receive a bunk cushion and form a channel therewith for sandwiching a rigid structural member (e.g., a board). The watercraft lifting system may also include contoured clamps that cooperate to distribute and transfer load between frame members. In one embodiment, the contoured clamps include parabolically-shaped inner surfaces.

Abstract: Taught herein is a motor vehicle mounted apparatus for launching and retrieving a personal watercraft. The watercraft is transported on the apparatus, which in turn is mounted to the vehicle, to the edge of the body of water into which the watercraft is to be launched. The apparatus provides a means of sliding the watercraft down a ramp into the water for use, and moving it back up the ramp for transport and storage after use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for a watercraft for picking up and launching boats. The device comprises an extension arm that is coupled in such a manner that it can swing freely on the watercraft, that extends at an acute angle in relation to the surface of the water and floats in water by means of floats. The extension arm comprises guide tracks for a boat retrieving device that is maintained on the extension arm in a longitudinally displaceable manner. The boat retrieving device comprises a holding head that is articulated in a displaceable manner on a running part guided on the guide rails, about an axis that is horizontal and approximately transversal in relation to the extension arm. The running part is connected to the drive means for longitudinally displacing the boat retrieving device. The holding head comprises at least one adjusting means that acts upon its adjusting movement about the horizontal axis.

Abstract: A marine pier system employing a payload transport device for transporting persons and material from land to marine craft moored at a distal end of the pier. The payload transport is a movable deck having either an electric motor powered by batteries for use in moving the deck and persons/material placed on the deck, or employs the use of a separate vehicle, such as a golf cart, for propulsion of the deck. The payload transport device may be self-contained eliminating the necessity for decking along the length of the pier. The absence of decking provides a structure upon which wind and wave action and deterioration from sunlight and weathering has little destructive effect, and further allows sunlight to reach the aquatic life below the surface of the water. The movable transport device further permits sunlight to reach all areas of sea grass that are shaded by movement of the transport device to a non-sensitive area when not in use.

Abstract: A marine pier system employing a payload transport device for transporting persons and material from land to marine craft moored at a distal end of the pier. The payload transport is a movable deck having an electric motor powered by batteries for use in moving the deck and persons/material placed on the deck. The payload transport device is self-contained allowing freedom of movement along a support system eliminating the necessity for decking along the length of the pier. The absence of decking provides a structure upon which wind and wave action and deterioration from sunlight and weathering has little destructive effect, and further allows sunlight to reach the aquatic life below the surface of the water. The movable transport device further permits sunlight to reach all areas of sea grass that are shaded by movement of the transport device to a non-sensitive area when not in use.

Abstract: A system for lifting ships from one waterway to another waterway. A convex basin is constructed between the waterways and slidably receives a pair of inter-connected chambers movable transverse to the direction of the waterway.

Abstract: A dock system comprises a shore base with a train of disengageable dock module components comprising floatable modules with connector assemblies for releasably connecting the modules. The system includes laterally spaced posts, with lake bed engaging dock supporting base parts. The module components are vertically slidably on the posts to move from a lower floating position to a raised position safely above the water. A module transport device is operable to move the modules sequentially forwardly to form a train as the modules are sequentially connected or to move the modules sequentially rearwardly to remove them to shore as the modules are sequentially unlocked.

Abstract: The watercraft ramp has a watercraft-supporting assembly with a water end and a shore end. It is formed of a laterally spaced pair of U-shaped rails equipped with hull-supporting roller wheels mounted in the U-shape. A transverse footprint brace is mounted under the rails at the water end with minimum elevation at the water end, and a transverse footprint stabilizer bar of elevated character is mounted under the rails at the shore end. A winch support beam is cantilevered out beyond the shore end of the rails in an angular relationship closer to parallel than perpendicular to the rails. The components in unassembled condition can be shipped and then assembled by a customer-user.

Abstract: The watercraft ramp has a watercraft-supporting assembly with a water end and a shore end. It is formed of a laterally spaced pair of U-shaped rails equipped with hull-supporting roller wheels mounted in the U-shape. A transverse footprint brace is mounted under the rails at the water end and a transverse footprint stabilizer bar is mounted under the rails at the shore end. A winch support beam is mounted to the stabilizer bar so as to upward cantilever out beyond the shore end of the rails in an angular relationship closer to parallel than perpendicular to the rails. The components in unassembled condition can be shipped and then assembled by a customer-user.

Abstract: The watercraft ramp has a watercraft-supporting assembly with a water end and a shore end. It is formed of a laterally spaced pair of U-shaped rails equipped with hull-supporting roller wheels mounted in the U-shape. A transverse footprint brace is mounted under the rails at the water end and a transverse footprint stabilizer bar is mounted under the rails at the shore end. A winch support beam is mounted to the stabilizer bar so as to upward cantilever out beyond the shore end of the rails in an angular relationship closer to parallel than perpendicular to the rails. The components in unassembled condition can be shipped and then assembled by a customer-user.

Abstract: A fixed structure is shaped like a pier and equipped on an upper part with a slide guide. A length of the pier extends from land to a point at sea where the depth is such as to allow boats to be transported to float. A trolley slides along the pier. At least two arms extend from the trolley transverse to the pier. The arms are equipped with independent hoisting devices for harnessing the boats. The arms also have a sliding counterweight and are equipped with devices which indicate the horizontal position of the arms and control the movement of the sliding counterweight. The arms are also equipped with commands with which the hoisting devices and other motorized parts of the machine are controlled.

Abstract: A boat launch apparatus for moving various sized trailers up and down an incline. The boat launch apparatus includes a first rail assembly having a proximal and distal end. A second rail assembly substantially identical to the first rail assembly positioned generally parallel to the first rail assembly. The area between the first and second rail assemblies defines an interior area. A plurality of connecting rods connects the first rail assembly to the second rail assembly. The rods extend between the first and second rail assemblies. The rods each have a first end and a second end. Each of the first ends of the rods is fixedly coupled to an interior portion of the first rail assembly, and each of the second ends of the rods is fixedly coupled to the interior portion of the second rail assembly. The first and second ends of the rods are removably coupled such that the rods are adaptable to have a variable length. A plurality of adjustable height legs supports the rail assemblies.

Abstract: A beach ramp system for watercrafts comprising at least one set of rails, each set including two rails. Each rail has a cross-section with aligned holes and an axle. Each rail also includes an aperture above the aligned holes with an elastomeric roller support rotatably supported on each axle and extending upwardly through the aperture to thereby constitute a watercraft support. Flanges are located at each end of each rail with openings therethrough. At least one Y-shaped post is provided with each post having an extent cemented in the ground and two upper extents attached to and supporting the rails.

Abstract: A launching ramp for boats, float planes and the like has several ramp segments that are in normal use of the ramp, generally aligned and sloping downwardly into a body of water. To enable the easy removal of the ramp from the body of water, the ramp segments are hinged and equipped with stops so that when a cable is connected to the outermost end of the ramp, pulling in on the cable will pivot the outermost end segment upwardly until the stops limit this pivotal movement with respect to the next segment, whereupon the second segment will pivot upwardly to its stop position and so on. As the cable is drawn in, the ramp is rolled up towards the shore. The installation of the ramp is a reverse process of unrolling the ramp into the water. With appropriate modification the ramp may be used as a roll-up dock.

Abstract: A device for removing barnacles from a boat lift including an elevator riding on rails extending into a body of water, characterized by a blade and a mounting adapter connecting the blade to the elevator of the boat lift. The blade is positioned to remove barnacles from a submerged portion of a rail as the elevator traverses the rail.

Abstract: An improved personal watercraft launcher is disclosed having a deployable carriage mounted upon a dock surface and movable in a guided path between a stowed and deployed position. A cradle assembly affixed to the dock surface near to the water is equipped with a pair of opposed rollers inwardly directed to engage open channels of longitudinal rails on each side of the carriage. Guided by the roller engagement of the side rail channels and limited in travel by roller stops fixed along the side rails, the carriage is moved longitudinally through the cradle assembly along the dock surface from its stowed position with the watercraft carried directly upon adjustable support members secured to the carriage.

Abstract: A marine railway has a carriage pivotally connected to a support frame near the front of the carriage, and on a transverse horizontal axis. The rear of the support frame is carried by compression springs resting on the carriage. The support frame is provided with support abutments that are adjustable to accommodate the contour of the boat. A cable loop extends from a submerged pulley at the outer end of the railway, and engages a winch activated by a remote control unit. The carriage is interposed in one side of the loop.

Abstract: A track system for launching and retrieving a boat carried on a trailer having two laterally spaced back wheels and having a front wheel which is centered laterally with respect to the back wheels. The system includes two laterally spaced tracks for guiding the back wheels of the trailer and further includes a laterally centered and forwardly projecting track for guiding the front wheel of the trailer. The tracks are adapted to be laid on a bank to establish a smooth and compliant surface enabling the trailer to be backed quickly and easily down the bank and into the water for purposes of launching the boat and also to enable the trailer to be easily pulled up the bank during retrieval of the boat. The tracks are tied together by and are adjustable laterally along longitudinally spaced bars. Also, the tracks are made in sections adapted to be coupled together to form a track system of desired length.

Abstract: An elongated operating cylinder has an internal piston assembly including axially spaced diametral disks. Such assembly is movable lengthwise in the internal cavity of the cylinder. A flexible force-transmitting component is connected to the piston assembly and extends axially of the cylinder through one of its ends. Introduction of fluid under pressure into the cylinder cavity tends to move the piston assembly axially so as to apply a pulling force to the flexible force-transmitting component, adapting the cylinder for use as a fluid-pressure actuator. Such fluid pressure actuator is particularly suited for use in lift apparatus where a compact, stationary frame has upright rails along which a lift carriage is movable. The lifting force preferably is provided by the flexible force-transmitting component of the actuator which can be routed by one or more pulleys. The lift apparatus can be mounted adjacent to a dock for lifting a small watercraft from the water.

Abstract: A boat lift assembly wherein the use of a conventional cable system has been replaced with a screw drive assembly. The screw drive assembly eliminates all the safety hazards which accompany a cable operated system. Additionally, the use of aluminum components is extensive throughout to keep corrosion to a minimum. Further, Teflon and Lexan wear strips are used to eliminate friction problems between the relatively moving members.

Abstract: A movable platform system is provided, comprising a basin, defined by a bottom and a sidewall, the basin containing a liquid; a plurality of support structures, extending upward from the bottom, the support structures being aligned in rows, the rows being perpendicular to each other; a plurality of platforms each having a top surface and an underside, the platforms being floatable in the liquid, each of the platforms having a plurality of guides attached to the underside, for guiding movement of the platforms in the basin, at least one of the guides being aligned perpendicular to another, wherein a plurality of the support structures extend into the guides; and a plurality of bearing devices, attached to the support structures so as to support the underside of the platforms within the guides and allow the platforms to move parallel to the bottom along some of the rows of the support structures.

Abstract: A device for transport of a cable in vertical shafts, in which the cable is attached to a number of sliding means at regular intervals and arranged to slide or roll along a vertical guiding rail. The sliding means are also rigidly attached to a lifting wire at regular intervals.

Abstract: A system for towing and launching a waterborne craft (10). The system includes a pair of tracks (26) which are floatable and are streamed from the shore (16) onto the surface (28) of a body of water (14) into which the craft (10) is to be launched. A carriage (12) is provided for supporting the craft (10), the carriage (12) including a pair of wheels (18) which have concavities (24) formed in outer peripheral surfaces thereof. The concavities (24) receive the elongated, generally cylindrical, tubular tracks (26) therein so that, as the carriage (12) is fed from the shore (16) into the water (14), the tracks (26) will be maintained at a distance from one another approximating the distance between the wheels (18). Additionally, the tracks (26) which were floating on the surface (28) of the water (14) will be urged downwardly in the water (14) and onto the bottom (40) thereof. When not in use, the tracks (26) can be easily removed from the body of water (14).

Abstract: A boat lift mounted on a plurality of spaced masts secured in suitable foundations are provided to support an equal number of spaced rails extending angularly into the water to a depth below the draft of the boats to be elevated on the boat lift. A plurality of boat carriers slidably mounted on the rails have spaced rollers engaging the flanges of the rails to facilitate movement of the boat carriers relative to the rails. The boat carriers have horizontally extending extensions secured to their lower ends to underlie the boat which is chocked to hold it in an upright position on the boat carrier extensions as the boat is moved out of the water. A winch housing having a power actuated winch therein is provided to wind up a cable secured to the boat carrier to pull each of the carriers and the boat on the carrier extensions up the rails to elevate the boat out of the water.

Abstract: A boat hoist has a frame with forward part including spaced upright posts, a rearward part including spaced upright posts, spaced to permit the passage of a boat therebetween, and an inclined track assembly attached to the frame between the pairs of spaced upright posts, a boat platform mounted for movement up and down of the track assembly, means for moving the boat platform upward along the track assembly, means for moving the boat platform downward along the track assembly, and means for holding the platform at a lower position and at an upper position on the track assembly. The hoist requires much less effort to lift and lower a boat because of the inclined plane and provides a convenient safer means of removing the boat from the water.

Abstract: Marine rail system including a rail assembly of parallel ramped rails, a winch supporting a steel cable at one end, a carriage including a forward carriage and a rearward carriage with a torque tube of three members, two of the members being telescoping with respect to the third member, connecting said front and rear carriages, and the cable pulling through a front strap the front carriage as well as through a place affixed to the rear carriage through the torque tube. The torque tube provides for flexing of the front carriage and the rear carriage with respect to the watercraft as well as with respect to the rail. The guide bars as well as the length of the torque tube are adjustable to accommodate any width of beam as well as any length of watercraft. Bunk supports slide on an I-beam, providing for adjustability of the bottom of the hull, especially for V-hulled watercraft. The rail sections are in convenient lengths and secured with splicers providing for easy shipment.

Abstract: A float movable along a ramp for launching trailerable boats so that the float remains adjacent the water line of the ramp responsive to changes in water level. The float is moved by a line extending from the deep water end of the float, downwardly to a stationary underwater sheave, upwardly to a shore mounted powered drive mechanism and downwardly to the shallow water end of the float. The drive mechanism is controlled by a water level sensor to move the float along the ramp as the water level changes so that the float remains in the water near the water line of the ramp as the water level fluctuates. The water level sensor includes an ultrasonic level detector mounted in a vertical tube communicating with the water through an equalizing tube. The float moves along a guide mechanism running alongside one end of the ramp to prevent transverse movement of the float.

Abstract: An installation including on the one hand trolleys equipped each with a hydraulic jack and roller members and on the other hand parallel supporting-beams which support the boat which is arranged so that its longitudinal axis is perpendicular to these beams which bear upon the jacks of two trolleys running on two parallel tracks, the jacks forming three groups of jacks connected hydraulically so that the resultants of these groups are located at the corners of a triangle, and it is characterized by the fact that it includes at least three parallel tracks upon which the trolleys run which support the supporting-beams which are arranged so as to form at least two lines of beams which are displaced perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the boat.

Abstract: Systems for launching or hauling up small boats, especially pleasure boats and the like, include a pair of rails joined together by sleepers and a carriage having two or more pairs of wheels which run along the rails. The rails are designed so that each of them forms a first track which is obliquely disposed in a lateral direction relative to a horizontal plane. A second track adjacent the first track forms an angle of about 90.degree. in a lateral direction relative to the first track.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a large ship from water to a pre-determined area for repair thereof comprising: lifting means for lifting the ship out of the water; guidance means to guide the ship while it is on the lifting means to the pre-determined repair area; and means for enabling the lifting means to be emplaced on the ship; said enabling means having an entrance.