Abstract: Systems and methods directed to marine fenders include fender rotation through a vertical plane while translating horizontally. Fenders are extended and retracted radially outwardly from and radially inwardly to a marine vessel by at least one electrically or pneumatically controlled and/or operational linear actuator. If a plurality of fenders are provided on a starboard and/or port side of the marine vessel, all of the plurality on a particular side may be activated substantially contemporaneously by control from the helm of the marine vessel, such as a recreational pontoon boat.

Abstract: A system adapted to position a floating object having a slide assembly with a contact surface, the floating object selectively engaging the contact surface, a track operatively connected to the slide assembly, and a locking mechanism secured to the slide assembly, the locking mechanism having a plug at one end.

Abstract: A portable water level-responsive mooring device has a mooring strap with a ring capable of engaging the mooring device around a dock piling. The mooring strap has a suitable length of cord having a clip or ring on each end capable of releasably attaching to a fender, spacing tubes, and rollers. The spacing tubes and rollers have an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the spacing tubes and an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cord. The cord is positioned within an arrangement of the spacing tubes and rollers, the length of cord being sufficient to wrap around a dock piling.

Abstract: A dampening piling guide comprising a first frame, a second frame, and resilient member interposed thereinbetween. The first frame has at least one continuous first surface on a horizontal plane and is constructed and arranged for attachment about a piling. At least two roller brackets are positioned about the first frame's first surface. Each roller bracket includes a roller, and the roller has an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the centerline of a pile. The rollers are also translatable along a piling. The second frame has at least one continuous second surface on a horizontal plane and is constructed and arranged for attachment about a piling. A plurality of resilient members are connected to the first frame first surface and the second frame second surface, whereby the resilient members dampen forces acting on the dampening piling guide.

Abstract: A portable water level-responsive mooring device has a mooring strap with a ring capable of engaging the mooring device around a dock piling. The mooring strap has a suitable length of cord having a clip or ring on each end capable of releasably attaching to a fender, spacing tubes, and rollers. The spacing tubes and rollers have an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the spacing tubes and an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cord. The cord is positioned within an arrangement of the spacing tubes and rollers, the length of cord being sufficient to wrap around a dock piling.

Abstract: A loading system for transfer of hydrocarbons between an installation on the sea bed (16) and a floating vessel (10) in areas exposed to drifting ice. The system including a submerged turret buoy (19), a flexible riser (18) extending from the sea bed installation (24) to the buoy (19) intended to be securely connected to a corresponding pipe on board the vessel (10), and a plurality of mooring lines (17) connected to the buoy (19) and extending outwards therefrom. The system further including a riser protection element (20) for protecting the riser (18) from impacts when the riser (18) is in an extended, load transferring mode, and a protective structure (24) located in or on the sea bed (16) for protection of the riser (18) when in a retracted position in a non-operative mode; that the protective structure (24) containing riser reel (28) for storing the riser (18) in a protected position when disconnected and retracted from the vessel (10).

Abstract: A buoyant bumper system for attachment to a docking facility and cushioning a boat. The buoyant bumper system includes an elongated travel shaft for engaging the docking facility, a travel sleeve slidably carried by the travel shaft, a system float carried by the travel sleeve and a resilient bumper carried by the travel sleeve in spaced-apart relationship to the system float. Throughout tidal rise and fall of a water body, the system float maintains the bumper at a fixed level with respect to the boat. Therefore, the buoyant bumper system is capable of cushioning and preventing damage to the boat throughout a full range of tidal movement as the boat is docked to a docking facility.

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: 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: 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 watercraft docking system for receiving watercraft along side of a dock. The watercraft docking system having a first and a second support member which are coupled to an elongated roller to allow the elongated roller to rotate on the longitudinal axis. The watercraft docking system is mounted on a dock, where the dock has a support structure and a dock platform having a walking surface. The first and second support members are secured to the support structure to hold the elongated roller at a predetermined distance from the dock.

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: The instant invention provides a docking device for a boat, which may include a pair of docking elements. Each docking element includes a vessel contacting element or wheel that may be retained between an upper wheel holder and a lower wheel holder. A spring element may be made any suitable material that is resistant to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, waterproof and salt-resistant. The spring element includes a first leg, which may be fastened to a sidewall of the dock and a second leg. The spring element may be straight or may include an angled portion. A wheel may be rotatably attached to the spring element by an upper wheel holder and a lower wheel holder. A first edge of the spring element may be received within a slot in the upper wheel holder, and second edge of the spring element may be received within a slot in the lower wheel holder. An angled spring element may be used, when the width of the boat does not closely match the width of the dock area.

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 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: 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: In a shock absorbing system for an offshore platform one or more shock absorbing cells receive the initial impact of a floating vessel. When such a cell becomes disfunctional or damaged, it is temporarily immobilized by positioning a stabilizer thereon. The latter is provisionally installed on the shock cell to substantially avoid relative movement between coacting parts.

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 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: Annular, hollow upper and lower members are secured to an upwardly extending supporting leg of an offshore structure to project therefrom in generally the same plane. Each of the members includes a cylinder with the upper and lower cylinders being axially aligned and projecting from an end of each of the members; each cylinder also has a smaller diameter than its respective member to provide an annular space therebetween and each cylinder has an end portion within its respective member. Yieldable material is molded in the annular space between each member and its cylinder and is provided with longitudinal recesses therein to accommodate movement of the cylinder relative to its respective member. A longitudinal stem is provided for securing to and extending between the upper and lower cylinders with a support thereon for supporting a cylindrical bumper on the stem for rotation relative thereto. Second yieldable material is molded between the cylindrical bumper and the stem.

Abstract: An annular hollow support telescopically receives an annular hollow body in which is molded a longitudinally extending cylinder embedded in a frangible mass. The support includes an annular flange to seat and position the hollow body so that the hollow body projects longitudinally of and from the support and a surface is associated with the support to position the support on a marine structure so that the support projects laterally from the marine structure. Jack means are connected between the support and the annular hollow body for assisting in removing the annular hollow body and supported cylinder relative to the support.

Abstract: A bumper construction for offshore oil rig structures in which an upright metal bumper pipe member of considerable length is encased or sheathed loosely with a tubular rubber enclosure rotatable on the pipe member. The tubular enclosure is formed by a series of rubber sleeves telescoped over and stacked on the upright pipe. Each sleeve has three integrally vulcanized layers of elastomeric materials which have physical properties different one from those of each other layer. The different elastomeric materials are present in predetermined percentages by weight. Each sleeve has a length substantially greater than its inner diameter and preferably more than two times its inner diameter. The sleeves have interfitting conical formations at adjacent ends when stacked.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing shock cell for mounting bumper devices on legs of offshore oil rig structures having inner and outer metal tubes connected by an intervening vulcanized rubber sleeve maintained under compression adhesively bonded to the inner and outer metal tubes. The shock cell is made by a series of operations in which portions of the metal tubes are coated with adhesive material, and the rubber sleeve is bonded to the adhesive coated areas by vulcanization and post-vulcanized heating.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing shock cell for mounting bumper or barrier devices on legs or other members of offshore oil rig structures having inner and outer metal tubes connected by an intervening rubber sleevelike body is provided with snubbing means engageable between limit members rigidly mounted in spaced relation on the inner and outer tubes to prevent telescopic outward movement of said inner tube from the outer tube beyond a certain predetermined location, thereby preventing the inner tube from being pulled completely out of the outer tube by external forces which would destroy the shock cell.

Abstract: A shock absorbing bumper system assembly (10) is provided for attachment to an offshore structure (12). Assembly (10) utilizes a vertical column (34) supported from arms (20, 22). An outer protector (38) surrounds the column (34) and is eccentrically positioned relative to the column (34). A pair of resilient ring elements (42, 44) are positioned in an axially spaced relationship, bonded to the column (36), and conform to the annular shape formed between protector (38) and column (36). Resilient connectors (30, 32) may also be used and comprise rings (54), which are similar in construction to the resilient ring elements (42, 44).

Abstract: A bumper assembly for a marine structure is disclosed, comprising an essentially vertical frame member mounted by energy absorbing shock members at each end thereof to a stationary offshore structure, the vertical member carrying annular bumper members stacked thereon. The vertical member comprises concentric cylinders in order to extend the length thereof slightly as the shock absorbing members are actuated so that the movement of such shock absorbing members remains linear. At each end of the vertical support member, at the point of attachment of the shock absorbing member, a supporting chain or cable is attached to support such vertical member to prevent the vertical member from creating a cantilever effect on the shock absorbing members.

Abstract: A shock absorbing column assembly (10) is provided for attachment to a structural member (12) of an offshore platform. The assembly (10) utilizes a series of shock absorbing elements which cooperate together to absorb shock exerted on the assembly by adjacent vessels. Two shock cells (34) and (36) support the vertical column member (30) in a position spaced away from member (12). Column member (30) is connected to the extending arm of the shock cell by shock absorbing connectors (52) and (54). An outer protector (90) is resiliently connected around the outside of the column (50).