Abstract: In general, embodiments of this invention relate to methods, apparatuses, and systems for providing boat or ship protection from damages associated with vessel contact, allision, or other physical contact or with objects. Therefore, the preferred embodiment of the invention is represented by a Fender apparatus Comprising: A first and second crossbar; and At least one fender rotationally connected to the first crossbar at one end of the fender and rotationally connected to the second crossbar opposite the first crossbar, wherein there are three fenders rotationally connected to the first and second crossbars.

Abstract: A stator configuration for a gas turbine engine including a splitter segment. Also included is a first stator extending radially outwardly from the splitter segment. Further included is a second stator extending radially inwardly from the splitter segment, the splitter segment, the first stator and the second stator being a single, integrally formed structure.

Abstract: A boat fender having a fender body of first and second concentric tubes, telescopically joined, for strength and extra length for large tidal variations. The fender body is supported on a ballast of sufficient buoyancy to keep the fender body above the water line to reduce or prevent marine growth, such as barnacles, during operation. The boat fender body is vertically supported by a bracket with a lateral spacer that is attached to a mooring facility, minimizing the fender body from contacting the mooring facility from wave action.

Abstract: A variable area turbine arrangement according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a first turbine section having at least a first variable vane row and a second turbine section downstream from the first turbine section and having at least a second variable vane row. A transition duct is disposed between the first turbine section and the second turbine section.

Abstract: An apparatus for inhibiting damage from impact between a marine structure and an adjacent watercraft, and a related method, are described. The apparatus includes a cushion body forming a mounting surface and a watercraft-engaging surface substantially opposing the mounting surface, at least one rigid support member, the rigid support member defined by or configured for contact with the mounting surface of the cushion body and disposed, during use, between the cushion body and the portion of the marine structure, and attachment means for detachably attaching the cushion body to the portion of the marine structure. The cushion body, when attached to the portion of the marine structure, is sized and configured to prevent destructive contact between the marine structure and a watercraft when the watercraft-engaging surface is contacted by the watercraft.

Abstract: Fender for protecting an object from damage comprising a core of at least a closed cell foam part, an intermediate layer fully enclosing the core comprising at least a fiber reinforced cloth, a coating that at least partly covers the intermediate layer. The invention also relates to a fixed or floating maritime structure provided with such a fender and to a method for manufacturing such a fender.

Abstract: This invention relates to a marine fender being low and uniform in the compression surface pressure and excellent in the wear characteristics, and more particularly to a marine fender comprising a shock receiving portion 2 inclusive of a shock receiving resin board 4 and a pair of rubbery leg portions 3 disposed on the downside of the shock receiving portion 2 in a height direction of the fender, characterized in that a width W (mm) of the shock receiving portion 2 and a height H (mm) of the fender 1 satisfy a relation of the following equation (1); 2H?W??(1) and a thickness h1 (mm) of the shock receiving portion, a height h2 (mm) of the leg portion, a thickness t (mm) of the leg portion and a height H (mm) of the fender satisfy a relation of the following equation (2); h2/4?t?h1?H/2?h2??(2).

Abstract: A frame rail assembly for a boat dock structure includes a frame rail member and a removable resilient rub-rail member. The frame rail member includes a first side configured for securing the frame rail member to a side of the boat dock structure; a second side opposing the first side; a first channel extending along a length of the frame rail member; and a second channel below the first channel, the second channel extending along the length of the frame rail member. An interlocking frame rail system for boat dock structures includes a first frame rail member, a second frame rail member, and an upper connector member extending along at least a portion of a length of the first frame rail member and at least a portion of the length of a second frame rail member.

Abstract: A watercraft bumper for a watercraft may include a sleeve to connect to a piling, the sleeve being detachably connected to the piling, the sleeve having a slit to open and close to detachably connect to the piling, the slit being in communication with a central aperture to cooperate with the piling, and the sleeve including a biasing device to open and close the slit.

Abstract: A frame rail assembly for a boat dock structure includes a frame rail member and a removable resilient rub-rail member. The frame rail member includes a first side configured for securing the frame rail member to a side of the boat dock structure; a second side opposing the first side; a first channel extending along a length of the frame rail member; and a second channel below the first channel, the second channel extending along the length of the frame rail member. An interlocking frame rail system for boat dock structures includes a first frame rail member, a second frame rail member, and an upper connector member extending along at least a portion of a length of the first frame rail member and at least a portion of the length of a second frame rail member.

Abstract: A dock bumper made from rubber material derived from scrap tires with a trapezoidal cross-section, a trapezoidal side profile, a base, and an optional longitudinal lumen. The longitudinal lumen also has a trapezoidal cross-section and may be open at one or both ends. The dock bumper is further provided with mounting holes for mounting on a surface. The mounting hole includes an opening for a fastener and an indentation in which a plug maybe securely installed to cover the fastener. A guardrail cover adapted for installation over a conventional crash barrier guardrail. A variety of rubber encased pillars, including crash barrier pillars on which guardrails are mounting, coast walls, and railroad ties. The rubber encased pillars are concrete-filled steel beams encased in rubber material derived from recycled scrap tires. The rubber encased railroad ties include raised sections for mounting and supporting railroad tracks.

Abstract: A watercraft bumper for a watercraft may include a sleeve to connect to a piling, the sleeve being detachably connected to the piling, the sleeve having a slit to open and close to detachably connect to the piling, the slit being in communication with a central aperture to cooperate with the piling, and the sleeve including a biasing device to open and close the slit.

Abstract: A flange free, semi-rigid resilient, hollow, dock fender having a skeletal triangular shape with a set of radiused edges and end fasteners to support the dock fender as the dock fender longitudinally and transversely distorts and flexes to distribute an impact force to protect objects proximate either side of an impact area on the dock fender with the skeletal triangular shape enabling use of low cost manufacturing techniques to form the dock fender from semi-rigid materials where the shape of the dock fender rather than the compressibility of the material of the dock fender enables the dock fender to absorb repeated impacts without damage to the dock fender and the securement of a hanger to end caps to a dock fender allows the dock fender to be used as a hanging dock fender, which inhibits rotation of the dock fender during an impact or the dock fender where the dock fender may or may not be in kit form.

Abstract: An apparatus for inhibiting damage from impact between a marine structure and an adjacent watercraft, and a related method, are described. The apparatus includes a cushion body forming a mounting surface and a watercraft-engaging surface substantially opposing the mounting surface, at least one rigid support member, the rigid support member defined by or configured for contact with the mounting surface of the cushion body and disposed, during use, between the cushion body and the portion of the marine structure, and attachment means for detachably attaching the cushion body to the portion of the marine structure. The cushion body, when attached to the portion of the marine structure, is sized and configured to prevent destructive contact between the marine structure and a watercraft when the watercraft-engaging surface is contacted by the watercraft.

Abstract: A mooring leg connector for use with a mooring leg extending up from the sea floor to connect a floating structure to be moored to the seabed wherein disconnection and connection of the mooring leg is done by pulling in and out a connector elongated body extending in the mooring leg direction. The connector has a latch mechanism for fixation of the mooring leg to the floating structure to be moored and preventing movement in the direction of the seabed, and a flexible part with a double articulation axis located at the bottom of the connector body above the attachment member, the connector body being received in a housing which is fixed to a part of the structure to be moored, wherein the latch mechanism includes guiding elements and followers or orientation pins between the body of the connector and the housing.

Abstract: A standoff system for keeping a containment boom or other floating barrier device spaced at a desired standoff distance away from a structure. The system includes an inner side member, an outer side member, and a plurality of compression members disposed between the side members. The system has a collapsed configuration in which the distance between the inner and outer side members is less than the desired standoff distance, and a deployed configuration in which the distance between the side members is greater than or substantially equal to the desired standoff distance. Alternatively, the system can be collapsed longitudinally by moving the adjacent compression members into abutting relationship with each other. The system is towed into place in the collapsed configuration, and once in place, is transformed into the deployed configuration by applying tension to the side members.

Abstract: Docking system for securing a craft to a dock or slip using a single line secured to the middle cleat of the boat. The system includes a mounting system, a docking car assembly slideably mounted on the mounting system; at least one bumper mounted on the docking car assembly; a biasing system which urges the docking car assembly is a first direction on the mounting system; and a docking line connected to the docking car assembly, a docking line connected to said docking car assembly, wherein when a force is placed on the docking line, the docking car is urged in a direction opposite to the first direction. Adjustable bumpers are provided which prevent the craft from rotating about the point of attachment.

Abstract: This invention relates to a marine fender being low and uniform in the compression surface pressure and excellent in the wear characteristics, and more particularly to a marine fender comprising a shock receiving portion 2 inclusive of a shock receiving resin board 4 and a pair of rubbery leg portions 3 disposed on the downside of the shock receiving portion 2 in a height direction of the fender, characterized in that a width W (mm) of the shock receiving portion 2 and a height H (mm) of the fender 1 satisfy a relation of the following equation (1); 2H?W??(1) and a thickness h1 (mm) of the shock receiving portion, a height h2 (mm) of the leg portion, a thickness t (mm) of the leg portion and a height H (mm) of the fender satisfy a relation of the following equation (2); h2/4?t?h1?H/2?h2??(2).

Abstract: A standoff system for keeping a containment boom or other floating barrier device spaced at a desired standoff distance away from a structure. The system includes an inner side member, an outer side member, and a plurality of compression members disposed between the side members. The system has a collapsed configuration in which the distance between the inner and outer side members is less than the desired standoff distance, and a deployed configuration in which the distance between the side members is greater than or substantially equal to the desired standoff distance. Alternatively, the system can be collapsed longitudinally by moving the adjacent compression members into abutting relationship with each other. The system is towed into place in the collapsed configuration, and once in place, is transformed into the deployed configuration by applying tension to the side members.

Abstract: A frame rail assembly for a boat dock structure includes a first frame rail member, a second frame rail member and a corner bumper member. The first frame rail member is secured to a first side of the boat dock structure and includes a first channel and a second channel The second frame rail member is secured to a second side of the boat dock structure and includes a first channel and a second channel. The corner bumper is positioned at a corner between a first end of the first frame rail member and a first end of the second frame rail member. The corner bumper member includes a first section and a second section. The first section includes coupling members engaged with the channels of the first frame rail member, and the second section includes coupling members engaged with the channels of the second frame rail member.

Abstract: A load absorbing device or other resilient device, such as a fender, bumper, or rub rail, for protecting an object, such as a dock or boat, from an impact force delivered by another object includes a leaf spring portion connected to the object. The leaf spring portion includes a fixed end and a free end operable to transmit to the object a fraction of the impact force and is designed to collapse upon loading with the impact force to thereby absorb energy that would otherwise be transferred directly to the object. In a preferred embodiment, the leaf spring portion 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 mounting holes sized to receive mounting fasteners for rigidly connecting the device to the object.

Abstract: A standoff system for keeping a containment boom or other floating barrier device spaced at a desired standoff distance away from a structure. The system includes an inner side member, an outer side member, and a plurality of compression members disposed between the side members. The system has a collapsed configuration in which the distance between the inner and outer side members is less than the desired standoff distance, and a deployed configuration in which the distance between the side members is greater than or substantially equal to the desired standoff distance. Alternatively, the system can be collapsed longitudinally by moving the adjacent compression members into abutting relationship with each other. The system is towed into place in the collapsed configuration, and once in place, is transformed into the deployed configuration by applying tension to the side members.

Abstract: A system to protect structures in a marine environment from the effects of an impact force. The system includes a plurality of floatable devices (panels) and a plurality of fibrous networks. The fibrous networks include high tenacity fibers which extend at least in a generally horizontal direction and are in communication with the plurality of floatable panels. The plurality of fibrous networks are disposed in a generally parallel arrangement with respect to each other and are vertically spaced apart by a distance not exceeding about 12 inches (30.5 cm). The system is designed to be spaced from the structure to be protected.

Abstract: A frame rail assembly for a boat dock structure includes a frame rail member and a removable resilient rub-rail member. The frame rail member includes a first side configured for securing the frame rail member to a side of the boat dock structure; a second side opposing the first side; a first channel extending along a length of the frame rail member; and a second channel below the first channel, the second channel extending along the length of the frame rail member. An interlocking frame rail system for boat dock structures includes a first frame rail member, a second frame rail member, and an upper connector member extending along at least a portion of a length of the first frame rail member and at least a portion of the length of a second frame rail member.

Abstract: A marine fender for protecting a marine structure and watercraft against damage from collision forces. The marine fender includes an elongate body of resilient material having a basal wall dimensioned and configured for mounting the marine fender on the marine structure, and an outer wall for being engaged by a collision force, the basal wall and the outer wall defining an inner space. A web within the inner space is integral with the basal wall and with the outer wall, and has a generally M-shaped lateral cross-sectional configuration enabling cushioning by the outer wall and establishing an integral reinforcing and energy absorbing construction within the inner space for protecting against damage to the marine structure from collision forces exerted against the outer wall, as well as against damage to the watercraft.

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: The invention relates to a docking buffer for attaching to ramps, comprising an elastic damping element (3) that is situated between two U-shaped sections (1; 2) consisting of a hard, shock-proof material. The limbs (4; 5) and (6; 7) of said sections are adjacent to one another and can be displaced in relation to one another, the limbs (4; 5) of one U-shaped section (2) converging at an angle ? that deviates from 90° in relation to a base surface (9) and the limbs (6; 7) of the other U-shaped section (1) diverging at an angle ? that deviates from 90° in relation to a base plate (8). The opening widths between the ends of the limbs (4; 5) and (6; 7) and the sizes of the angles ?; ? are selected in such a way that the limbs (4; 5) embrace the limbs (6; 7). The advantage of the invention is that it provides a docking buffer with a simple construction that is thus cost-effective to produce, said buffer affording reliable protection even during an off-center collision.

Abstract: A watercraft hull and gunwale mooring guard for attachment to a mooring structure to prevent abrasion damage to the contact surfaces of a moored watercraft. The mooring guard includes a stationary vertical guide rod that is attached at one end to a mooring structure at an spaced horizontal distance therefrom and extends vertically upward above the mooring structure. A traveler member is slidable attached to the guide rod which when movement of the water causes the watercraft to move up and down, the traveler in contact with the watercraft will correspondingly move up and down and thus prevent hull and gunwale abrasion, scuffing and damage to the watercraft.

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: 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: A fender having a compact spring shape for protecting an object, such as a dock or boat, includes a mounting portion connected to a resilient leaf spring 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 leaf spring portion 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: A cylinder-stem assembly to floating platform, gap controlling interface guide. A longitudinal wear strip and mating guide are positioned at an angle relative to a tangent to the nominally round exterior cylinder of the cylinder. Cylinder guides may be provided at more than a single elevation. The corners of the contacting surfaces of the wear strips may be rounded to reduce the risk of galling and to avoid any obvious point or line loading. During assembly, the cylinder-stem assembly is rotated after insertion into its slot in the floating platform. The rotation centers the cylinder and also may be used to control the magnitude of the gap or an interference fit.

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 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: A plastic jacket that is used for repairing underwater or on ground support piles that have corroded by the wave action at the water line, by a tidal zone or natural salty air corrosion, respectively. The jacket consists of a cylindrical wall having annular corrugations on its exterior surface. The cylindrical wall has a longitudinal cut along its length to exhibit two opposing edges. A seal is placed between the opposing edges. Opposite from the longitudinal cut there is a V-shaped through the corrugations to the cylindrical wall to create a living hinge in the plastic material of the wall. Banding is provided to pull the opposing edges into a tight relationship and trapping the seal there between. The V-shaped cuts enable the jacket to be opened and placed around a damaged pile in spite of the corrugations which prevent such an opening. It is preferred that the material of the jacket be made of a transparent material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for supporting the hull of a watercraft using a flexible bunk beam and a convex cushion attached to the beam using locking elements. The beam has a longitudinal recess with a narrow upper neck portion and a larger lower anchor portion, and the cushion has an elongated cushion locking member lockably insertable into the recess. The cushion locking member has a narrow upper neck portion and a larger lower portion sized to snuggly fit within the recess. The cushion includes internal voids and walls. The beam includes sidewalls with bores forming bearing surfaces.

Abstract: A fender (1) has a fastening end (2) and a shock-absorbing end (3) and, arranged therebetween, at least one deformation portion (4). The deformation portion (4) is made of an elastically deformable material, especially elastomeric material, and is arranged to fold during deformation of the fender (1), so that surface portions of the deformation portion (4) are folded towards each other. The deformation portion (4) has on at least one surface projections (5) and recesses (6) of such a shape and location that they can engage with each other in a comblike manner when said surface portions of the deformation portion (4) are folded towards each other during deformation of the fender (1).

Abstract: A dock or pier assembly is constructed of a series of substantially identical dock modules. The dock modules are preferably rectangular in shape, and a post and bracket support arrangement is provided at each corner of each dock module for supporting the dock modules above a body of water. Each dock module includes a frame assembly, constructed of a series of metal frame members welded together to define a rigid frame. A series of deck members are mounted to the frame, and may be in the form of extruded plastic deck members. Each side frame member includes an upper flange to which a connector strip is secured, and the connector strip defines engagement structure for mounting the deck members to the side frame members. Each frame member of the frame assembly further includes a vertical web and a lower flange. A bumper or cover member is secured to the vertical web of each frame member, for providing a finished appearance and for protecting the web and lower flange when in use.

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 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: 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 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 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: 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: A marine fender for securely affixing to an object such as a dock, piling, seawall, and the like is formed by extrusion of a resilient material. It is provided with unique energy absorbing properties. The fender has a uniform cross section with an outer arcuate wall, and an inner arcuate wall. Strips connect the two walls to transmit forces from items impinging on the outer wall to the smaller arch of the inner wall. A planar panel connects the two walls and transmits any remaining forces to the object on which the fender is mounted. Flanges coextensive with the outer wall enable the fender to be securely affixed to the object.

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.