Abstract: A shock and vibration isolator for a member mounted on a body immersed in water including a housing, a rubber plunger mounted within the housing to define a chamber within the housing, vent apertures in the housing for permitting water to be pumped relative to the chamber in response to deflection of the rubber body, and a connector attached to the rubber body for mounting the member which is to be isolated from the body which is immersed in water, the rubber body and the associated chamber providing a combination of resilient and hydraulic support to thereby isolate the member from shock and vibration forces relative to the body.

Abstract: The energy absorbing structure of the present invention comprises a cylindrical hollow body of a fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin wherein both the ends are open, the cylindrical hollow body being attached to the outer wall of a moving body or the outer wall of a stationary body with which the moving body comes in contact in such a manner that the opening of the hollow body faces the outer wall.

Abstract: A boat dock for use to store boat therein, the boat dock including a boat slip having an open entry, opposed sidewalls and a front, a dock guard secured to each dock sidewall at the entry and extending laterally from the sidewall to which it is attached and forwardly of the entry.

Abstract: A hanger assembly for a tire bumper comprising inner and outer legs which define a slot for receiving a tire side wall, one leg having a clinching rib formed thereon for clinching with the bead of the tire and the other leg extending radially into the tire carcass between its side walls and having a seating position formed thereon for seating against the interior of the tire along complementary surfaces in radial alignment with the thread portion of the tire, the outer leg having an aperture for receiving a securing element attachable to a mooring pier for holding the tire thereon.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a hollow rubber fender for absorbing kinetic energy of a ship approaching a quay. The fender comprises a substantially funnel-shaped frusto-conical hollow support portion made of an elastic rubber material; a buffer portion being generally in a cylindrical form and extending from the smaller-diameter end of the support portion substantially in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the support portion; and a mounting portion extending outwardly and integrally from the larger-diameter end of the support portion along a radial plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support portion; the inside diameter r.sub.1 of the larger-diameter end of the support portion and the outside diameter r.sub.2 of the top end of the buffer portion being determined to satisfy the condition of r.sub.1 .gtoreq.r.sub.2.

Abstract: The invention involves a snubber strip and mooring dock construction as used for boats and the like. The snubber strip is constituted of a molded rubber or plastic extrusion having an elongate hollow body portion with one flat wall that forms its inner side. The body portion has attachment flange portions one of which is coplanar with the flat side and the other of which is perpendicular to the flat side. The perpendicular flange portion has a depending lip along its free edge and is so constituted as to overlie a structural beam member with its lip on one side of the member and with the flat wall of the body portion on the other side of the member in a close fit.

Abstract: A resilient marine fender for protecting a boat from damage resulting from inpact against a boat dock, piling or other marine structure includes a fender body having an elongate bumper portion on one side of sufficient resiliency to cushion normal impact of the boat and mounting surface on the opposite side thereof of sufficiently frictional character with respect to the piling for generally non-slipping engagement therewith. Selectively engagable and disengagable strap means at the lateral sides of the fender body encircle the pilling for selectively securing the fender body to the piling such that the mounting surface is held in frictional facing contact against the piling. A number of elongate bumper portions can be disposed in side-by-side relation to one another on the fender body and a plurality of strap assemblies can be provided.

Abstract: A buoyant marine fender element is disclosed, with guides for securing it to a mooring facility such as a piling, which allows the fender element to rise and fall with the tide or waves. The fender element is cylindrical in form and sealed at each end by an enlarged end cap, which serves as a stop element for limiting up and down movement upon contacting a guide element.

Abstract: Side protectors for a water craft include a base which may be affixed to the hull of the craft and into which fits an inflatable bladder. The protectors are modularized and a plurality of the protectors may be affixed to the craft along either horizontal rows or individual protectors may be vertically orientated, depending on the anticipated need for protection. A snap lock type connection, including mating extensions and recesses in a chamber closed at one end, is provided for affixing the bladder edges to the base holder. A space is left between the legs of bladder connector so that when high pressure air is added to cause inflation of the bladder, the same air also creates additional pressure maintaining the bladder coupled to the base. An air compressor and operators panel are provided which permits any of the various bladders to be inflated depending on the particular need at the particular time.

Abstract: A barge connecting system for connecting a first vessel to a second vessel omprising three spaced parallel rectangular shaped plates, the first plate of which is attached to the stern of a lead vessel, and the third plate of which abuts or may be attached to the bow of a following vessel. Bracing for the second and third plates is provided by plurality of diagonal wire cables each of which has one end connected to a corner of the first rectangular shaped plate and the opposite end connected to either a corner of the second rectangular shaped plate or a corner of the third rectnagular shaped plate. Positioned vertically between the first and second plates are a first pair of pneumatic fenders which are rotatably mounted on the first plate by wire cables. There is positioned horizontally between the second and third plates a second pair of pneumatic fenders which are mounted on third plate by wire cables.

Abstract: A damage preventing bumper attachable to fixed marine structures to cushion boats and the like against engagement with the structure. The bumpers are air filled to absorb the shocks of a boat engaging the marine dock or post and include a valve for adjustment of the air quantity. The bumpers are fixedly secured to the marine structure by screws which pass through a sleeve formed through the bumper body. The bumpers are formed in a plurality of configurations to cover the critical areas of the structure including corners and posts. A groove formed in the top of the bumper allows the user to lay marine utility lines such as electrical cords and hoses within the bumper and therefore off of the docking facility. The bumpers are made of a marine grade vinyl for durability and to prevent marring of the boat.

Abstract: Concrete fender pile having prestressing members (19, 20) of elongated, high-strength fiber composite elements (21) with a low modulus of elasticity which, during a ramming impact (p), permit a large elastic deflection of the fender pile (14) and are insensitive to aggressive environmental effects.

Abstract: A protective bumper includes an elongated, resilient, planar member, a slider slidably mounted on and slidably positionable along the length of the planar member and an adjustable length line with fasteners attached at opposite ends for suspending and attaching the slider and the planar member to a stationary dock piling. A plurality of like planar members are interconnected end to end via mating projections and sockets formed on the ends of each planar member.

Abstract: A fender for marine use having an outer flexible elastomeric shell and containing therein a solid foam bun, and its method of construction is described. The method includes forming the shell in two halves, inserting the solid foam bun into the two halves, and thereafter molding the two halves into an integral unit. The marine fender has excellent flexibility and structural integrity.

Abstract: A floating impact absorbing device for use in docking two adjacent vessels wherein at least two laterally spaced supports journal the ends of a pair of shafts for movement in a common plane. Torsion springs are journaled on the shafts and each torsion spring has oppositely extending levers that resist their rotation. Impact pads located on opposite sides of the common plane are connected to adjacent levers to provide a reactive force on vessels acting on such impact pads.

Abstract: A pier cushioning system is disclosed having a contact surface, sliding elements and hydraulic cylinders and apparatus to determine the mass and velocity of a docking vessel and to respond with the necessary counterforce to assist in the docking of the vessel. The mass and velocity determining capabilities utilize a flow and pressure transducer in combination with either a microprocessor or analog electronic circuit to perform the necessary calculations and thus adjust the flow of hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic cylinder in accordance with the force exerted by the docking vessel.

Abstract: A portable rapidly installable dolphin system comprising a gravity base w a skirt which may be ballasted or deballasted at a site of interest. A pair of fenders are mounted vertically on a rectangular shaped plate which has a pair of legs connected in rotational engagement to the gravity base. The fenders function to transmit a moored vessel's load to the gravity base. Activating an air operated cylinder mounted within the gravity base will effectuate the movement of the plate's support structure so as to cause the plate to rise from a first position which is parallel to and above the gravity base to a second position which is perpendicular to and above the gravity base. Six propellant embedment anchors hold the dolphin in place.

Abstract: A bumper assembly to protect a marine or related dock from vessels or vehicles composed of a bumper strip of ultra-high molecular weight preferably 3.5 to 6 million molecular weight polyethylene covering a mass of rubber attached to the dock wall.

Abstract: A marine fender comprises a fender body and a thick elastic laminated body. The elastic laminated body is composed of an outer cover, a light elastic member filled in the outer cover and a rigid plate embedded in the bottom of the outer cover.

Abstract: Several embodiments (10, 30, 80) of an energy absorption system are designed for permitting progressive collapse of the system by absorbing energy within the system. In one embodiment, a system (10) comprises conical bodies (12) separated by cables (20), which system progressively collapses through plastic deformation of compression members (16) cooperating with each cable (20). In another embodiment, a system (30) incorporates plastically collapsible compression members (44, 46, 48) which collapse progressively to permit the bodies (32) to move together. In another embodiment, a system (80) is provided where the progressive collapse is permitted by frictional sliding of a securing device (92) along a track (90) which permits bodies (82) to move together.

Abstract: A boat fender is provided with circumferential rings to prevent the fender from popping up from between the side of a boat and a corresponding dock or other structure to which the boat is tied off, with the circumferential exteriorally projecting rings providing for a rolling and tracking motion of the fender over the side of the boat to limit fender swing which maintains the fender in place and in a generally vertical orientation. This tracking prevents the non-tethered end of the fender from popping up and therefore provides security not available from other fenders, whether plain or having longitudinal ribs.

Abstract: A wellhead and conductor pipe supported by a cable and anchor system is disclosed which is comprised of a plurality of anchor cables secured to the conductor at a first end of each cable, the second end of each cable being fixed to an anchor pile in a surrounding land formation beneath a body of water. In preferred embodiments the cables are secured to the conductor by means of an annular brace having an upper collar portion to which the first end of each cable is attached and a lower collar portion having pulleys mounted thereon and around which the cables are journalled. Anchor piles are driven into the subsea land formation by releasably securing an anchor pile to a drive pile and exerting a downward force on the drive pile to drive the anchor pile into anchoring engagement with the formation below the mud line.

Abstract: There is disclosed a flotable marine fender device having means to movably secure the device to a dock, piling or bulkhead so that the entire assemblage is free to rise and fall with flooding and ebbing tides enabling the marine fender to protect the sides or hulls of boats approaching, leaving or made fast to the docks, pilings or bulkheads.

Abstract: A boat dock bumper including an elongated vertical plate having an inner face and an outer face. A spring steel strap attached to the inner face of the plate and disposed to bow away from the inner face. The strap is attached at one end of the plate by a sliding attachment and at the other end of the plate by a pivoting attachment. Means are provided by way of a plate for attaching the strap to a boat dock such that the outer face of the plate will contact the hull of an approaching watercraft. The plate is movable between an at-rest position and a compressed position when contacted by a watercraft.

Abstract: A marine fender used for mitigating a berthing shock of a vessel is disclosed, which is mounted to a berthing wall and made from an elastomeric material. This marine fender comprises a main cylindrical portion having a fitting flange, and a closed head portion formed by outwardly extending the front end of the main cylindrical portion.

Abstract: A bumper for attachment to a leg of an offshore platform comprising an upright, bumper holding element which carries resilient bumper members. A first arm projects outwardly from the upright element above the water line for fixed attachment to the leg of the platform above the water line. A second, submerged arm projects outwardly from the upright element and is pivotally connected below the water line to the leg. This structure allows the bumper to be quickly and efficiently replaced with a minimum amount of diver time required. The bumper is easily positioned in a vertical orientation regardless of the slope of the platform leg, and all welding is performed above the surface of the water.

Abstract: A preformed thick walled split tube of extruded hexene-ethylene copolymer of ultra high molecular weight forms a sheath about timber piles. The sheath is sealed to form a stagnant space toxic to marine borers. The sheath is tough, resilient and of high tensile strength sufficient to protect the pile from destructive mechanical forces and abrasion.

Abstract: A fender surrounding a mooring body and comprising a weight-loaded structure suspended by flexible connecting members from a higher location of the mooring body, which connecting members according to the invention extend upwardly and towards each other towards a point at or adjacent to the vertical axis of the mooring body, such that upon impact by a vessel the fender is tilted and quickly generates a return force.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for cushioning shocks imparted to a stationary body from various sizes of vessels, including a resiliently retarded telescoping member having a first movement versus thrust characteristic with a relatively high rate of movement versus thrust over a first predetermined range of thrusts, and an abruptly lower rate of movement versus thrust for thrusts exceeding said first predetermined range.

Abstract: An arrestor for reducing the velocity of moving icebergs and the like or large drifting objects relative to an off-shore fixed structure is disclosed. In use, the device extends outwardly from a fixed structure in at least one direction. A frame is adapted to be mounted to the structure in a manner which will allow an extending end thereof to move toward the structure. Nylon ropes or any other suitable elastic members are attached to the frame and to the structure and are utilized to provide an increasingly greater resistive force on the frame as the extending end of the frame is pushed toward the structure by an iceberg. Various embodiments of the general concept are disclosed.

Abstract: A fender adapted to be mounted on a shore, for cushioning impacts applied by a ship to the shore installation, comprises first buffer elements 3, each of which has a circumferential surface for receiving impacts and an axial bore 3d, a horizontal shaft 2 rotatably passing through the axial bores, locking means 5 provided at the ends of the shaft for preventing the releasing movement of the first buffer elements 3 from the shaft, support members 8 adapted to be spacedly secured to the shore installation, and means 7 for suspending the shaft from the support members.

Abstract: A vibration-isolating apparatus for protecting equipment from excessive vibrations. The apparatus discloses an equipment-carrying frame attached by shock-absorbing members to a guide member. The guide member is loosely fastened in operational relationship wth a drillpipe or casing to permit movement of the apparatus. The apparatus is lowered along the drillpipe or casing by a cable or other locomotive means controlled from the surface. Vibration of the drillpipe created by ocean currents or waveloading forces causes the drillpipe to impact and vibrate the guide member of the apparatus. The shock-absorbing members protect equipment attached to the frame by attenuating the excessive vibrations induced by the drillpipe on the apparatus. Shock-absorbing members of varying stiffness can be substituted to attenuate the differing vibrational forces exerted by each particular drillpipe.

Abstract: A fender for protecting support structures against shocks applied thereto, of an alongside fender type, comprising a rubber piece with appropriate profile adapted for absorbing the shocks and distributing them uniformly over the structure to be protected, which rubber piece is firmly secured by hot galvanization to a rubber frame whose radius is substantially equal to the radius of the structure to be protected, the assembly formed by the piece carried by a frame being fixed to the structure by fixing member integral with the latter, associated possibly with a fixing member integral with the piece and/or with the frame.

Abstract: A fender for marine use having an outer flexible elastomeric shell and containing therein a solid foam bun, and its method of construction is described. The method includes forming the shell in two halves, inserting the solid foam bun into the two halves, and thereafter molding the two halves into an integral unit. The marine fender has excellent flexibility and structural integrity.

Abstract: A compression shock absorber for use on offshore oil platforms, for example, is used as part of an overall bumper system for receiving impact from marine vessels which are docking at the offshore platform. The apparatus includes a base structural section which is preferably horizontally disposed and having one end portion that is rigidly attached to the offshore oil platform at one of the legs near the water line. A moving structural section slides upon the first base structural section between inner retracted and outer projected positions. The sections are preferably cylindrical such as structural steel pipe, for example. First and second load transfer surfaces are carried respectively by the base and by the moving structural sections for transferring a compressive load between the base and structural sections during use and at rest. A compressible mass such as resilient rubber is positioned between the first and second load transfer surfaces for biasing the moving section into the projected position.

Abstract: A shield for protecting a well head and functional modules in an under sea station comprising a composite cushion formed from a floor 6 made from a material less dense than water, such as a plastic material or treated wood, and resting on a perforated metal sheet or grid 7, removably fixed by means of deformable feet 4 to a horizontal plate 1 mounted at the top of the module to be protected and having at the position where the guide column 2 passes an opening in which is welded a sleeve 14 capable of sliding along said guide columns 2.In a shield for protecting a module provided with a central connector, said plate has a central cage with vertical lateral wall for housing said connector, radial arms being fixed to the bodies of several shock absorbers spaced apart on said plate and to said wall of the cage for transmitting shock absorbing forces.

Abstract: An offshore marine structure particularly adapted for use in tidal waters, which structure includes a steel jacket capable of supporting an operating equipment deck. A boat landing or stage is attached to the jacket after installation of the latter at an offshore site. The boat landing can thereby be guidably and vertically positioned above the water's mean surface level by adjustment along a tracking member prior to being affixed in place on the structure.

Abstract: Fender system comprising at least one absorbing body of elastomer material, which can be secured directly or indirectly to a quay or a jetty, and a front plate which is parallel in essentially a vertical plane to the plane of the quay or the jetty, and is provided at the other side of the absorbing body, which front plate can come into touch with an object such as a ship moving towards the front plate, the front plate serving for distributing and transferring the loads exerted by this object on the absorbing body, the front plate being made of reinforced concrete so that it can be connected with other parts as e.g. sliding strips during and/or after the casting thereof.

Abstract: A quadrilateral is secured to horizontally extending and vertically spaced supports adjacent a water covered area. A support frame is secured to the quadrilateral in a downward, parallel relationship thereon and projects forwardly of the quadrilateral. A longitudinally extending elongated elastomer body bumper is removably secured on the support frame, and a stabbing guide is provided adjacent the lower end of the quadrilateral which includes a forward portion spaced laterally relative to the quadrilateral and which extends upwardly and outwardly therefrom to serve as a guide to receive and support the lower end of the support frame as it and the elongated elastomer body bumper thereon are lowered longitudinally of the quadrilateral in a water covered area to be positioned on and supported by the quadrilateral in the water covered area.

Abstract: A replaceable marine fender mechanism according to the present invention is adapted for connection to marine structures such as the cylindrical legs of offshore platforms to prevent vessels and other objects from impacting against the platform legs and causing damage. The fender mechanism is supported by upper and lower energy cells with the lower energy cell having a stabbing and positioning receptacle that is adapted to receive a stabbing and positioning portion defined at the lower extremity of an elongated fender post. The upper extremity of the bumper post is releasably supported by a bolted connected structure that is presented at the free extremity of an upper energy cell that is also securable to the leg structure of the offshore platform. A cylindrical fender element is receivable about the fender post and is supported by a connector element to the upper energy absorbing structure.

Abstract: A fender system for a floating structure such as an off-shore platform wherein a column supporting the platform has a plurality of vertically spaced rail members that are interconnected by a plurality of horizontally spaced and vertically extending bumpers that can be contacted by a vessel for transmitting the force therefrom to the fender system. The rail members support a plurality of spaced shafts on which are mounted pairs of interconnected torsion spring members that are operative to exert opposing forces while bearing on the column to absorb the forces exerted on the fender system.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing joint absorbs shock forces by distortion of elastomeric material under torque. One form of the shock-absorbing joint has an inner cylinder fitting within an outer cylinder so as to extend longitudinally beyond each end of the outer cylinder and provide an annular space between the cylinders. A body of elastomeric material, such as rubber, fills the annular space and is affixed to the inside surface of the outer cylinder and the outside surface of the inner cylinder. Inner and outer cylinder pivot members are affixed to the inner and outer cylinder, respectively, and are perpendicular to the common pivot axis of the cylinders. Two or three of such shock-absorbing joints may be used to form a shock-absorbing assembly that is particularly useful in protecting marine platforms.

Abstract: An offshore platform structure of the gravity type intended to be installed on a sea bed in artic or corresponding waters. The platform structure comprises a substructure intended to be completely submerged and supported by the sea bed when in installed position, a superstructure extending up from the substructure and up above the sea bed and a deck superstructure supported by the superstructure above the sea level. A fender is provided intended to protect the superstructure against drifting ice and icebergs, the substructure being provided with a preferably horizontal top support slab supporting the fender, the fender being movably arranged on said support slab and comprising a preferably compartmented cylindrical ring-shaped body with a large weight resting preferably freely on the substructure, intended to be arranged apart from the superstructure when in normal position.

Abstract: An offshore platform structure, particularly intended to be installed in waters where drifting iceberg frequently appear, the platform structure being intended to be founded in a sea bed and comprises a substructure, a superstructure rigidly affixed to the substructure and extending vertically up above the sea level supporting a deck superstructure at its upper end. The horizontal cross-sectional area of the substructure is substantially greater than that of the superstructure. The substructure rigidly supports a fender structure, the fender structure comprising an outer peripherally arranged wall and an inner cylindrical wall the inner and outer wall being rigidly interconnected by means of a plurality of vertical and/or horizontal partition walls, dividing the fender structure into a plurality of cells or compartments. The fender structure is arranged in spaced relation with respect to the superstructure.

Abstract: The specification discloses a single point mooring and fender suitable for large ocean going vessels. A dolphin is surrounded by a ring which is connected to the dolphin by a plurality of extensible resilient members adapted to absorb the kinetic energy of a hull moving against the fender.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention as depicted, buoyant flotation devices are tethered in a spaced-apart circumjacency to a water-bound and partially water-submerged object, to protect the object from ice-caused or impact-caused damage. The flotation devices are of sufficient number and in sufficient proximity to each other, to define a water-surface area about the object which is substantially closed. The devices are yieldable, to allow an ice formation to insinuate itself or expand the defined area, and freely deform if impacted by a floating article or vessel. In further embodiments of the invention, an area-shrouding canopy is secure to the to-be-protected object and to the flotation devices, to establish and maintain a temperature difference, within the shrouded area, over that which obtains outside of the shroud or canopy.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing device for mounting a ship fending barrier on a marine docking structure. The device has two units that are connected together. Each unit has spaced inner and outer tubular elements and an intervening elastomeric sleeve in the space bonded to each element. The inner elements of the two units have fixed connection with each other. The outer elements of the two units have fixed connection, respectively, with the docking structure and the barrier.

Abstract: The invention comprises a guard for disposition adjacent an offshore structure to protect the structure from impact. The guard comprises a tubular body of resilient material, at least one flexible positioning line extending longitudinally through the bore of the tubular body, and a pair of connectors joined to the positioning line or lines and disposed adjacent axially opposite ends of the tubular body for connection to the offshore structure.

Abstract: A rotatable energy-absorbing sleeve unit for ship bumpers including a rim-free vehicle rubber-containing tire carcass filled with elastomeric foam. The elastomeric foam may be either polyurethane or rubber foam. The tire may be an auto or truck new, used, retreaded or blemished tire.

Abstract: A high-energy-absorbing prestressed concrete fender pile, and fendering sem using a plurality of such piles, constructed from high-strength concrete prestressed with longitudinal tensioned strands only partially prestressed such that the longitudinal strands remian elastic to provide high remaining material strength for absorbing high energy impact prior to reaching the yield strength of the strands; the longitudinal tensioned strands are wrapped with an outer spiral wire reinforcement, and the longitudinal strands are preferably stressed to remain elastic until the concrete reches a capacity of 0.003 inch/inch compression strain.