Abstract: A boat bumper for use on a boat dock includes a bumper body and a frame. The frame includes uprights and connectors that interconnect the uprights and permit the frame to deflect when a force is applied to the boat bumper. The body includes a base and a roller insert that is rotatably received within the base. The base and roller insert are plastic and include a phosphorescent material that permits the bumper body to be viewed in low-light conditions.

Abstract: A retractable boat bumper system includes a bumper plate and a positioning mechanism. The bumper plate is selectively operated between a first, retracted position wherein the bumper plate is proximate the boat and a second, extended position wherein the bumper plate is disposed away from the boat. When the boat is secured to a dock or the like, the bumper plate is disposed within the second position and protects the boat from the dock. When underway, the bumper plate is disposed within the first position such that the bumper plate is out of the way.

Abstract: A boat docket bumper assembly designed to be clamped to a boat dock to protect a boat from coming in direct contact with the dock. The boat dock bumper assembly includes a vertical support to one side of which a bumper can be attached. The assembly has a mounting member that when combined with suitable clamps, provides for attachment of the assembly to the edge of a dock regardless of its height. The vertical support may include a plurality of holes which provide for adjustability of the height of the bumper or it may include slots with adjustable tie bars to which the bumper can be attached.

Abstract: Apparatus for suppressing vortex induced vibrations on a marine element of a riser system wherein the riser system comprises at least one umbilical element. Systems comprising and methods of using said apparatus to suppress vortex induced vibrations. The apparatus, systems, and methods comprise module elements which provide: i) a surface around a marine element for installing VIV suppression devices; and ii) passages for housing the at least one umbilical element.

Abstract: A method for controlling drag and vortex induced vibration in a substantially cylindrical element by providing an ultra-smooth surface about the cylindrical element. The system for controlling drag and vortex induced vibration utilizes a substantially cylindrical marine element having an ultra-smooth effective surface.

Abstract: A camel and ship separator support system uses a pontoon having length and width dimensions being commensurate with that of a standard ISO shipping container. A plurality of recesses span the height dimension of the pontoon with pairs of the recesses located at opposing portions of the pontoon with respect to the width dimension thereof. H-shaped leg assemblies are coupled to the pontoon at the pontoon's recesses. Each leg assembly extends beyond the height dimension of the pontoon while remaining within the length and width dimensions of the pontoon. A support assembly is fitted between and coupled to adjacent leg assemblies. Fenders can be coupled to the leg assemblies to thereby form a camel or ship separator.

Abstract: There is disclosed a structure for fastening a shipboard-protecting fender comprising: a plurality of reinforcing rib layers securely provided on the inner and outer faces of a shipboard; a fixed base horizontally fastened on the reinforcing rib layers of the shipboard by means of a plurality of bolts, an accommodating space being formed at the outside of the fixed base; a core layer, one end of which is accommodated in the accommodating space of the fixed base; a bump-preventing layer covering the outer surface of the core layer and the fixed base; a pair of fixed plates supported at the outside of the two ends of the bump-preventing layer; and a plurality of bolts vertically passing through the fixed plates, the bump-preventing layer, the fixed base, and the core layer for fastening them, in which the bump-preventing layer is made from polyurethane (P. U.) material, while the core layer is made from the close cell of ethylene-vinylacetate copolymer (E. V.

Abstract: The marine bumper comprises a body including two oppositely extending wings which are centrally engaged to a base in a manner to be rotatable relative thereto, such that the wings may be horizontally or vertically oriented. Also, the bumper is adapted for engagement to a cleat of a boat by an extension arm, if such mounting, rather than dock mounting, is desired.

Abstract: A sacrificial impact-absorbing and energy-dissipating structure for protecting marine facilities from the destructive force of an accidental impact by a marine vessel is constructed from a plurality of inexpensive steel pipes or tubular members that are permanently secured together as by welding to form an open three-dimensional rectilinear framework of plastically deformable material in which the interior of some or all of the tubular members are in fluid communication. One or more of the tubular members forming the structure can be filled with water, a rigid foam material and/or wooden elements that will provide additional energy-dissipation capabilities in the event that the containing tube is subjected to a deforming impact. Optionally, filler ports, discharge ports, pressure relief plugs, and valves can be provided on one or more of the tubular members.

Abstract: An article or buoy board for mooring a buoy to a dock post when a boat is being moored at a dock that includes an elongated board with slotted end portions and having a front surface and a back surface. Straps are affixed to the front surface of the board for positioning the back surface of the board against the dock post. A stretchable cord such as a bungee cord passes through the slotted end portions of the board for attaching a buoy to the front surface of the board for contact with the boat side. The back surface of the board is provided with a lengthwise groove for receiving the stretchable cord and the back surface of the board is further provided with a shock-absorbing pad such as rubber for holding the stretchable cord in place within the groove and for minimizing shock as the boat is moored. The stretchable cord has ends with hooks and the buoy has ends with eyes so that the buoy is attached against the board by passing the cord hooks through the buoy eyes.

Abstract: Flexible brackets or “wings” molded from marine grade, UV resistant PVC allow attachment of inflatable boat fenders to any piling or dock structure regardless of shape or size. Adjustable straps are used to encompass the fender and fasten it to the “wings” allowing use of any size fender from six to twelve inches in diameter. A short section of line is used to secure the fenders, when used vertically, to an eye screw fastened to the piling or structure in a location above the fenders where the line can pass through the central opening in the fenders and tie in a large knot at the bottom of the fenders.

Abstract: A motion reduced floating structure includes a main hull structure and a wave damping structure connected with the main hull structure. The wave damping structure may include a back board, a lower horizontal board and vertical members. The back board is connected with the main hull structure, and the lower horizontal board is connected with a lower portion of the back board to extend in a horizontal direction and is under a seawater surface in case of mooring. The vertical members are connected with the lower horizontal board and the back board. A vertical direction hole is provided for the lower horizontal board.

Abstract: A shell for providing impact protection to a marine drilling riser, the shell comprising a body having at least one hollow chamber defined by inner and outer faces of the shell, the body being provided with a plurality of holes allowing flooding of the chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling drag and vortex-induced vibration exerted onto a substantially cylindrical element of a fixed position subjected to a fluid flowing environment. Apparatus of the invention comprise a sleeve comprising an ultra-smooth surface. Methods for installing such apparatus onto cylindrical elements, and systems for controlling drag and vortex-induced vibrations in which a substantially cylindrical marine element has an ultra-smooth effective surface.

Abstract: A lock and dam system for a waterway includes a dam extending across the waterway, a channel having a first entry-exit opening on a first side of the dam and a second entry-exit opening on a second side of the dam. The channel includes a lock. The system further includes a fascia proximate first entry-exit opening in the channel, and a fender system to protect the fascia from impact. The fender system includes a plurality of resilient flexible support element, a first panel supported by a first one of the plurality of support elements in front of the fascia and a second panel supported by a second one of the plurality of support elements in front of the fascia. The first and second panels overlap in a first direction parallel to the fascia and a second direction perpendicular to the fascia. In one exemplary embodiment, the first panel has a first shoulder and the second panel has a first step facing and overlapping the first shoulder.

Abstract: A dock fender, particularly for attachment to the outer face of a dock piling for cushioning vessels attached to the dock. The fender is of extruded construction, having laterally extending flanges which are conformable to the surface of the pilings. The fender is attached to the piling by lag screws applied to the flanges. Special washers, of rectangular configuration, are provided to underlie the heads of the lag screws. The washers are formed with anti-rotation means such that, after initial proper alignment of the washers with the fender flanges, the washers will retain such orientation during rotational tightening of the lag screws. In one form, the anti-rotation means comprises bent corners of individual washers. In another form, the washers are of a length to engage more than one lag screw.

Abstract: A protection apparatus protects a harbor or an area in a body of water or adjacent to a body of water. The protection apparatus floats on the body of water, and includes a plurality of barrier units positioned side-by-side, each of the barrier units includes a composite-based durable barrier structure. The barrier structure is configured to hold a net in place in order to protect an area in the body of water or abutting the body of water from waterborne craft. The protection apparatus also includes connectors respectively provided between adjacently-positioned ones of the barrier units. Each of the connectors includes a tensile member and a dampening member for handling forces applied to the protection barrier and for maintaining the integrity of the protection barrier.

Abstract: A unitary fender having a compact spring shape for protecting an object, such as a dock or boat, includes a mounting portion and a resilient leaf spring portion integrally formed of one-piece construction with the mounting portion. The leaf spring portion is designed to collapse and absorb a substantial amount of energy upon impact with another object while a free end of the leaf spring slides along a front side of the mounting portion. In a preferred embodiment, the fender is extruded of a high-strength abrasion-resistant plastic material having a low coefficient of friction, such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The leaf spring portion may include multiple access holes sized admit a tool for installing or removing the fender.

Abstract: The motion reduction apparatus improves the safety of operation of a floating body floating on water by reliably reducing motion of the floating body, and has an orthorhombic shaped floating main body (11), a plumb plate supported vertically on one side section of the floating main body by means of stay members (13), and flow sections (15) for flooding with incoming water are provided between the floating main body and the plumb plate in such a way that an upper end section of the plumb plate is at about the same height as the bottom surface of the floating main body.

Abstract: A composite fender panel for protecting a harbor structure includes a resilient body member having a front surface and a rear mounting surface spaced by a panel thickness from a main portion of the front surface.

Abstract: A fender for absorbing the impact of a vessel is provided, which is formed of rubber and fixed to a fixing surface of a dock and adapted to have an impact receiving plate secured to a distal end of a body of the fender. The fender comprises a first bumper member having an elongated hollow cylindrical body of a constant outside diameter and affixed to the impact receiving plate at one end, and a second bumper member connected at one end to an opposite end of the cylindrical body of the first bumper member. The second bumper member at the opposite end thereof is fixed to the fixing surface at a portion having a hollow conical body with its distal end being greater in outside diameter than its closest end, and the second bumper member buckling radially outwardly upon receiving a compressive force from the vessel thereby absorbing the impact of the vessel; and a shoulder formed along an outer periphery of a connection portion between the first and second bumper members.

Abstract: A weight strip constructed from a plurality of stacked sheets of elastomeric material slackly assembled for resting upon an uneven surface.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing “smart” bumper system features a variably controllable valve which is responsive to impact conditions. The initially closed valve opens upon maximization of the pressure reading upon the bumper, and maintains the same open setting (in other words, the same valve area) during such period of pressure maximization. During the succeeding period of pressure declination from maximum, the valve undergoes ongoing adjustment of its open setting (in other words, ongoing adjustment of its valve area) so that the reaction force of the bumper remains constant. The valve closes (in other words, the valve area becomes zero) when the pressure falls abruptly toward zero (an occurrence which correlates with a similar plummet in reaction force, as well as with near or approximate motionlessness of the impacting body), thereby avoiding or curtailing an unwanted rebound effect.

Abstract: Flexible brackets or “wings” molded from marine grade, UV resistant PVC allow attachment of inflatable boat fenders to any piling or dock structure regardless of shape or size. Adjustable straps are used to encompass the fender and fasten it to the “wings” allowing use of any size fender from six to twelve inches in diameter. A short section of line is used to secure the fenders, when used vertically, to an eye screw fastened to the piling or structure in a location above the fenders where the line can pass through the central opening in the fenders and tie in a large knot at the bottom of the fenders. Installation using simple hand tools is easy and can be accomplished by the average person in approximately one half an hour.

Abstract: A marine docking device according to the present invention includes a fender having a first end coupled to a first arm by a first attachment member and a second end coupled to a second arm by a second attachment member. The first attachment member and the second attachment member are configured to prevent the fender from rotating about a longitudinal axis that passes through the first end and the second end. The first arm includes a compression assembly that facilitates movement of the first end between a first position and a second position. The compression assembly includes a tubular member that is slidable within a sleeve. A spring is compressed between a first spring abutment provided on the sleeve and a second spring abutment provided on the tubular member. The first spring abutment is continuously urged toward an advanced position by the spring.

Abstract: A motion reduced floating structure includes a main hull structure and a wave damping structure connected with the main hull structure. The wave damping structure may include a back board, a lower horizontal board and vertical members. The back board is connected with the main hull structure, and the lower horizontal board is connected with a lower portion of the back board to extend in a horizontal direction and is under a seawater surface in case of mooring. The vertical members are connected with the lower horizontal board and the back board. A vertical direction hole is provided for the lower horizontal board.

Abstract: A portable piling extender apparatus includes a piling attachment unit which includes a piling fence portion. A manually operable strap assembly is connected to the piling fence portion. A riser fence unit is provided, and connector tubes connect the riser fence unit to the piling fence portion. Alignment locks lock the riser fence unit to the piling fence portion. Preferably, the piling fence portion includes a pair of piling fence tubes, and a pair of first transverse struts are connected between the piling fence tubes. The riser fence unit includes riser fence tubes, and second transverse struts are connected between the riser fence tubes. The front faces of the piling fence tubes and the front faces of the riser fence tubes are substantially coplanar when the riser fence tubes are connected to the piling fence tubes.

Abstract: A lock and dam system for a waterway includes a dam extending across the waterway, a channel having a first entry-exit opening on a first side of the dam and a second entry-exit opening on a second side of the dam. The channel includes a lock. The system further includes a fascia proximate first entry-exit opening in the channel, and a fender system to protect the fascia from impact. The fender system includes a plurality of resilient flexible support element, a first panel supported by a first one of the plurality of support elements in front of the fascia and a second panel supported by a second one of the plurality of support elements in front of the fascia. The first and second panels overlap in a first direction parallel to the fascia and a second direction perpendicular to the fascia. In one exemplary embodiment, the first panel has a first shoulder and the second panel has a first step facing and overlapping the first shoulder.

Abstract: A composite fender panel for protecting a harbor structure includes a resilient body member having a front surface and a rear mounting surface spaced by a panel thickness from a main portion of the front surface.

Abstract: A boat fender with an outer contour designed to prevent damage to the boat, to enhance the retention of a boat to a dock or pillar, and to prevent movement of a boat along its longitude or length while moored to a dock. The boat fender has a V-shaped outer contour designed to receive the pillar of a dock or other docking structure. The boat fender of this invention is designed to easily receive the cylindrical post or pillar common forming the docking structure used during boating.

Abstract: A composite fender panel for protecting a harbor structure includes a resilient body member having a front surface and a rear mounting surface spaced by a panel thickness from a main portion of the front surface.

Abstract: A wave-resistant mega-float comprises a first flat plate provided on a front end portion of a large-sized floating body, penetrating a water surface, and extending downward below a bottom surface of the floating body, the front end portion of the floating body being located on an upstream side in a direction from which waves travel, and a second flat plate attached substantially perpendicularly to a lower end portion of the first flat plate such that the second flat plate extends toward the upstream side.

Abstract: A bridge pillar debris deflection apparatus (10), which attaches to a pillar supporting a structure located on a water way, such as a river or ocean. The apparatus (10) deflects debris to maintain the pillar clear from any unwanted build-up of rubbish. The apparatus utilizes at least one finned cylinder (30) that is rotatably held in place in front of a pillar (50) with an upper attachment bracket (26) and a lower attachment bracket (28). The cylinder is rotated by the force of the water impinging on a multiplicity of fins (44) extending from the outer surface of the cylinder to deflect the debris and prevent any accumulation. An axle (38) is positioned between the brackets and extends through the cylinder in the preferred embodiment. Any number of cylinders may be used in tandem, according to the need and environmental conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fender formed from a rubber composition having a rate of change of compressibility R−30/R23 of not more than 1.3 (where R−30 denotes a maximum reaction force at −30° C. as determined by compressive test and R23 denotes a maximum reaction force at 23° C. as determined by compressive test) and/or a rate of change of compressibility R60/R23 of more than 0.90 (where R23 denotes the maximum reaction force at 23° C. and R60 denotes a maximum reaction force at 60° C.). The fender suffers no decrease in the reaction force in low-temperature and/or high-temperature conditions.

Abstract: Flexible elastomer wrap panels stretched and clamped encircling submerged pilings, risers and pipelines are coated to resist degradation by any form of marine life, and incorporate an interior pile-facing felt layer impregnated with a corrosion inhibiting and biocidal gel, providing long term protection for pilings and like submerged objects. The wrap panels present radial rib-strakes protruding outward from the piling and extending along the piling in a longitudinal direction, either vertically, parallel to the vertical axis of the piling or pipe, or slanting helically, reducing or eliminating aeolian vibration induced by flowing ocean currents causing vortex formation. In some embodiments, the wrap panels and strakes incorporate a marine growth inhibiting filler material.

Abstract: A fender bracket for a round piling includes two elongate piling bracket members, each having a generally concave-shaped longitudinal side and a generally flat side forming an acute angle with the concave-shaped longitudinal side. The fender bracket is secured to the round piling and the at least one bumper guard support member is secured to the elongate piling bracket members from the water side of the dock. At least one bumper guard is secured to the bumper guard support member in a longitudinal orientation generally parallel to a water surface. The fender bracket is secured to the round piling in such a manner as to be easily detachable for portability.

Abstract: The lock and dam system for waterway includes a dam extending across the waterway, the channel having a first entry-exit opening on a first side of the dam and a second entry-exit opening on the second side of the dam. The channel includes a lock. The system further includes a fascia approximate first entry-exit opening in the channel, and a fender system to protect the fascia from impact with objects generally moving in a first direction. The system includes a first panel, a second panel, a first support element coupled to one of the first and second panels and coupled to the at least one fascia and a second support element coupled to one of the first and second panels and coupled to the at least one fascia. The first support element extends oblique to said one of the first and second support panels with the second support element extends oblique to said one of the first and second panel.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing bumper system features a variably controllable valve which is responsive to impact conditions. The initially closed valve opens upon maximization of the pressure reading upon the bumper, and maintains the same open setting (in other words, the same valve area) during such period of pressure maximization. During the succeeding period of pressure declination from maximum, the valve undergoes ongoing adjustment of its open setting (in other words, ongoing adjustment of its valve area) so that the reaction force of the bumper remains constant. The valve closes (in other words, the valve area becomes zero) when the pressure falls abruptly toward zero (an occurrence which correlates with a similar plummet in reaction force, as well as with near or approximate motionlessness of the impacting body), thereby avoiding or curtailing an unwanted rebound effect.

Abstract: A buoyancy device to be clamped around least one longitudinal element. The buoyancy device comprises an assembled clamping device which is to be fastened around the element, and at least one buoyancy member connected to the clamping device. The buoyancy member is divided longitudinally in at least two sections and is arranged around the element together with the clamping device. The buoyancy member is divided in at least two separate or jointly pivoted buoyancy segments which may be folded around the elements(s) and loosely enclose a part of this (these). The clamping device is divided in at least two separate, or hinged together, clamping segments, adapted to be folded around the element(s), preferably in a firm and prestressed manner.

Abstract: A tensile system for attachment between a first body and a second body having relative movement with respect to each other includes at least one tensile element attached to the first body and at least one collapsible energy cell coupled between the tensile element and the second body. The collapsible energy cell includes a buckling elastomer spring and has a normal state when the buckling elastomer spring is unbuckled and a collapsed state when the buckling elastomer spring buckles. The tension variations in the tensile element apply a compressive force to deflect the buckling elastomer spring.

Abstract: A loading dock bumper comprising:(a) a first rigid part for fastening to said dock(b) a second rigid part engaged with said first rigid part by at least one connecting device, said second rigid part being moveable with respect to said first rigid part between a first and a second position, and said first and said second rigid parts when engaged defining a substantially enclosed hollow therebetween; and(c) a compressible resilient material dispersed between said first and second rigid parts within the hollow therebetween,wherein said second part is moveable with respect to the first part between the first position wherein the resilient material is not compressed and the second position wherein said resilient material is compressed, wherein any load applied to said bumper moves the second part towards the second position and compresses the resilient material to provide dampening of the load applied.

Abstract: The impact absorption system uniquely features arrangement of composite structures which include fiber-reinforced high strain-to-failure viscoelastic matrix material. According to many embodiments, a gravitationally or buoyantly suspended hollow fiber-reinforced urethane reaction bumper is closely and anteriorly situated with respect to fiber-reinforced urethane tension tubes which are secured at the ends and disposed in an approximately vertical plane. In operation, an incoming marine vessel impacts the bumper which in turn impacts the tubes. The invention takes advantage of the great deformability, high energy absorbency and other beneficial properties of fiber-reinforced high strain-to-failure viscoelastic matrix material. Moreover, applicability/adaptability of individual bumper systems to varieties of marine vessels is made possible through analysis and arrangement/rearrangement/exchange/interchange of structural components.

Abstract: A first aspect of the present invention is an energy dissipating dolphin including a plurality of elongate piles in a body of water extending substantially vertically from a bed underlying the body of water. Each pile has a proximal end driven sufficiently deep into the bed to be substantially fixed against horizontal movement and pivoting at the proximal end about a lengthwise axis upon application of a horizontal load. A plate has a hole corresponding to each distal end of a pile, the hole having a diameter sufficient to actually receive a corresponding distal end of a pile while allowing for rotation and translation of the distal end of the pile relative to the plate. A connector connects the plate and the piles.

Abstract: A quay side device for engaging a chain for a marine fender attached to a fitting face of a quaywall or another berthing installation comprises a pair of rigid plates separated in parallel to each other, a round hole formed in a protruding portion of the rigid plate from the quaywall, a support rod detachably inserted into the round holes between the protruding portions of the rigid plates, and a fixing member arranged in end portions of the rigid plates embedded in the quaywall.

Abstract: A composite camel structure includes an elongate hollow, rigid cylindrical core, opposite ends of the core having respective caps sealingly connected thereto, a buoyant material of cured urethane foam substantially filling the core and being sealingly enclosed therein. A cushion is thermally bonded to and sealingly surrounds the core, the cushion having a substantially unbroken outside surface, being formed of a polymeric component consisting of polyethylene being at least 80 percent low-density polyethylene, and a process additive component including an effective amount of an ultraviolet inhibitor. A pair of parallel-spaced, transversely oriented guides extend between opposite sides of the cushion in axially spaced relation to the core, each guide defining a guide opening through the cushion for receiving hawser chains whereby the camel structure rides up and down with the tide.

Abstract: A loading dock bumper comprising:(a) a first shell made of a substantially non-elastic material(b) a second shell made of a substantially non-elastic material, said first and said second shells being resiliently attached to each other, forming a housing, and(c) a predetermined effective amount of a particulate resilient material contained within said housing formed by said first and said second shell in a substantially compressed mode.

Abstract: The protective fender includes a cushion body that has the shape of an elongated longitudinally cut half cylinder with an inner and an outer surface. The two edges of the inner surfaces include each a slap member that extends therefrom and embraces the dock posts. The slaps can be tailored to avoid the deck when embracing the posts so that a sufficiently large area above and below the deck can be protected to account for tide changes. Different embodiments for the fastening assemblies used can be implemented with laces, Velcro pads or snap buttons, all intended to keep the cushion body along the post at a position between the post and the approaching boat. The fender can be readily removed, when required.

Abstract: A method for protecting marine pilings positioned to support a marine structure above the water wherein a plurality of pilings are positioned to support the marine structure. The method consisting essentially of positioning a fender over exposed surfaces of a protective coating on the pilings through the splash zone; and retaining the fender in position.

Abstract: A bumper system is disclosed for docking an auxiliary drilling vessel to a compliant platform through first and second pads having vertically extending, complementary outboard faces presented from the respective structures in vertically slidable abutment. A biasing system pushes the vessel and platform into abutment across the first and second pads and the system allows the vessel to dock to the structure in a manner such that vertical loading is not substantially transmitted between the vessel and the structure across the sliding engagement.

Abstract: A fender for absorbing the impact between converging bodies includes a supporting surface, a plurality of bosses and an energy absorbing member. The plurality of bosses protrude from the supporting surface at spaced locations. Each boss has an outer perimeter. The energy absorbing member surrounds the outer perimeter of each boss so that each boss absorbs vertical and horizontal shear forces within the energy absorbing member.