Abstract: A connector assembly for use with floating dock sections which includes a pair of buoyant connecting members. Each of the connecting members define a plurality of voids and have first and second retaining sections with a connecting section disposed between the retaining sections. The retaining sections are removably installable in sockets in the floating dock sections. At least one securement member is provided and extends between the pair of connecting members when the connecting members are installed in aligned sockets on the upper and lower perimeters of a pair of adjacent dock sections. The securement member detachably secures the connecting members. The plurality of voids may have open ends. The assembly may include a threaded elongate securement member which is captured by the one of the connecting members wherein the combination of the connecting member and the captured elongate securement member is buoyant.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a decking system including a receiver and deck plank, wherein the plank removeably connects to receiver for installation. For example, the receiver may provide a snap lock function that secures and automatically spaces the deck planks on the receiver, which is fastened to a deck joist. In addition, the system is designed to conceal fasteners used to attach the system to the deck joist.

Abstract: A movable floating moorage including a set of n parallel floating booms, each comprising a main pontoon and secondary pontoons extending in a transverse direction. Some of the secondary pontoons are in register with one another in two adjacent booms and are adapted to bear on one another in the transverse direction. The moorage includes two series of n+1 lines actuated by winches and including, for each boom, two lines extending from this boom in two opposite ways in the transverse direction and connected respectively, either to an adjacent floating boom, or to a fixed anchorage. The booms are connected together and to any fixed support solely by these two series of lines.

Abstract: A deck plank readily attaches to an engagement clip when force is applied generally from the upper surface down on the plank. When a plurality of clips are attached to underlying surface, and a plurality of deck planks are oriented to the clips and urged into engagement, a secure deck structure is provided. The deck plank surface extends laterally beyond the outside vertical supporting panel (32) and turns downward to form downward facing supporting leg (45). The opposite side of the deck plank between outside supporting leg (35) and outside vertical supporting panel (34) forms a water resistant cavity that does not get penetrated by fasteners due to the underside clipping means. The deck plank and clipping system allows the individual repair of deck planks without removing the adjacent deck planks.

Abstract: A retractable dock having a ramp, with first forward and aft sides, extending from a bulkhead toward water. The first aft side joins the bulkhead via a locking mechanism. All locking mechanisms allow rotation. The dock has an aft floating assembly with an aft bridge and second aft and forward sides. The second aft side joins the first forward side of the ramp via a second locking mechanism. The aft float assembly has an aft floating unit floating on water supporting the aft bridge. The aft floating unit joins the aft bridge by another locking mechanism. The second locking mechanism joins to the ramp and either the second aft side or aft floating unit. The dock has a forward floating assembly with a forward bridge joined to the aft bridge configured for extension and retraction. The forward floating assembly has a forward floating unit floating under the forward bridge supporting it.

Abstract: A floatable building foundation comprises a steel beam support frame platform with buoyancy provided by underlying pontoons and/or foam billets. Vertical movement of the platform in response to a storm surge is constrained by cuboidal column guides at the four corners. Each of the column guides comprises two tiers of square roller frames, within each of which is an I-beam engaged between the flanges on either side by two rollers supported on horizontal axes. The orientations of the I-beams and rollers alternate orthogonally at each corner of the platform, so that torques generated by uneven buoyancy are suppressed and do not result in jamming of the platform as it rises.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Rivertube system for transporting urban and metropolitan passengers, by river and sea, which is similar to a metro system, using watercraft instead of trains, said watercraft travelling along the rivers and coasts of cities instead of on tracks and in tunnels. The system comprises an automatic docking system for the boats and closed or covered stops, built on the river or on the sea, with large floating platforms that enable passengers to get on and off the boats more quickly and with greater agility than in conventional metro cars.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a floating dock system, the floating dock system comprising at least two dock sections, said dock sections comprising substantially horizontal slots along at least one edge; and at least one coupling member configured to engage a horizontal slot in at least two dock sections; whereby the at least two dock sections are retained together by the at least one coupling member.

Abstract: The structure (10) for transporting and installing or retrieving underwater equipment comprises a floating hull (11) equipped with legs (20) that can be moved vertically relative to the floating hull (11), a platform (60) carried by shuttles (30) each associated with a leg (20) and able to be moved vertically relative to the hull (11) by said legs (20), means of temporarily anchoring the equipment to the underside of the platform (60) and means (65, 66) of moving said equipment in the water between a first position pressed against the anchoring means and a second position away from said means.

Abstract: A shelter and washing system is provided with a cover, supporting trusses, and a cleaning system. The cover is locatable over an area of water and includes cover trusses connectively arranged in a skeletal structure, a border structure, and a roof. The supporting truss may elevate the cover above the area of water and include vertical and horizontal members that include tubes of varying diameters. The cover trusses may be partially bowed and or made with aluminum. The cleaning system may include jets to eject a liquid to clean the watercraft. The liquid may be driven by a pump. A method is provided for sheltering and washing a watercraft.

Abstract: A method of constructing a semi-submersible unit with a side wall. To construct the semi-submersible unit, the method can include placing a hull in a body of water and connecting a deck structure to the hull. In addition, there is a kit for constructing a semi-submersible unit, with a side wall.

Abstract: A connector for connecting together two floating dock sections includes a first half having a pair of slotted cylinders and a second half with a pair of cones. A pair of rods connects the first half to the second half. When the two halves are loosely connected together, the connector is inserted into opposing receiver sockets of a pair of opposing floating dock members. A flange located at an upper end of the first half arrests the downward travel of the inserted and loosely connected first and second halves. As the rods are tightened, the pair of cones travel toward the pair of slotted cylinders and cause the slotted cylinders to expand radially outward.

Abstract: A vessel having an elongated shape, and being moored to the sea bed in a substantially fixed orientation. The vessel includes at least along its longitudinal sides, near keel level, two transverse skirts having such a width that the natural roll period of the vessel is above a predetermined period, the natural roll period of the vessel without the skirts being below the predetermined period.

Abstract: A modular dock unit and system for making large modular dock systems is disclosed. The dock unit includes a molded floatation shell, a molded decking piece and a molded dri-loc retainer ring. The floatation shell has column supports molded therein suitable for holding support members. In use, support member are placed in flanges molded into the support columns and the floatation shell rim. The dri lock retainer is placed on the side support members and the decking piece is opposed to the dri-loc retainer. Mounting aids such as tongue and groove members are molded in opposing pieces of floatation shell, retainer and deck and secured where necessary. The dock unit also includes a boat bumper system that mates with the dock units to surround the modular dock system. When assembled, the dock unit comprises a water-tight flotation cavity protecting the internal components and providing buoyancy to the dock unit.

Abstract: A three dimensional floating structure is formed of interconnected sealed pipes. Large tires are filled with foam, sealed and arranged side by side on the lowest horizontal pipes. A deck supports activities. Structures on sides at a water surface trap floating substances. Offset hinged plates connect modules, forming large structures. Wind redirectors are mounted on plural levels. Windmill pumps draw cool deep water and spray water to disrupt wind energy, cool the surface and concentrate floating substances. The windmills drive turbine generators directly by pumping water to storage tanks and discharging the water through penstocks to drive hydro-electric turbine generators. Excess power is transmitted through cables to onshore power grids. The floating structures provide oil recovery and wind de-energizing, water and waste treatment and residential and recreational activities.

Abstract: Wave attenuation systems are disclosed. For example, a wave-attenuating panel can define a plane, a center-of buoyancy and a center-of-mass spaced from the center-of-buoyancy such that the panel is stably buoyant in a liquid with the plane oriented vertically. Wave attenuators are also disclosed. Such a wave attenuator can comprise a first row of support members extending vertically relative to a seabed and a second row of support members spaced from the first row. A vertically oriented, movable panel can be positioned between the first row and the second row, such that the panel is configured to rise and fall in a substantially vertical plane. Such wave attenuators can also comprise a second, fixed panel that remains submerged.

Abstract: There is provided a dock having a pair of primary frame members and a pair of secondary frame members. A plurality of cross members extends between the pair of primary frame members. The dock includes a plurality of cross member connectors for connecting the cross members to the primary frame members. Each cross member connector includes a frame contact portion and a cross member engagement portion extending from the frame contact portion. The frame contact portion is connected to a respective one of the plurality of primary frame members. The cross member engagement portion defines a channel sized and configured to receive the alignment plate of a respective one of the plurality of cross members. A roller assembly may also be included for stabilizing the dock relative to an adjacent piling.

Abstract: A shore-to-dock/boat access system is disclosed for use on a body of water with changing water levels. The system may be composed of non-corrosive fiberglass (or fiberglass-like) materials and include numerous installation components: A gangway supporting structure may be affixed to the shore using support members. A moveable gangway structure may be slideably connected to the gangway supporting structure with the assistance of a slider assembly including, inter alia, cam followers, a pivot unit, and/or runner plate. In addition, methods are disclosed for installing and servicing the system.

Abstract: A self-propelled boat dock system is provided. In combination with a boat dock and walkway, a system of one or more rollable shore traction elements, winches, and cables is configured to allow a single operator to manipulate the position of the boat dock system from a central controller, the controller being configured to selectively operate the rollable shore traction elements and winches.

Abstract: Connectors having redundant fasteners for interconnecting adjacent structures are disclosed. Some connectors have first and second bearing bodies and a member disposed between the bearing bodies. A first fastener is held in tension and extends through the bearing bodies and the member. The tension in the first fastener urges the bearing bodies against each other in compression. A second fastener held in loose engagement relative to the bearing bodies and the member extends through the bearing bodies. On release of the tension in the first fastener, such as by failure of the first fastener, the second fastener is placed in tension.

Abstract: A concrete floating dock can be formed using a form that has an inner and an outer form. Concrete sections can be cast such that they include a deck portion and two longitudinally extending side walls that extend downwardly from the deck portion. The concrete sections can be removed from the form and coupled together to form a concrete floating dock. One or more buoyancy elements can be positioned in the cavities of the fully cured concrete sections before or after the concrete sections are coupled to each other.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a floating dock system, the floating dock system comprising at least two dock sections, said dock sections said dock sections comprising substantially horizontal slots along at least one edge; and at least one coupling member configured to engage a horizontal slot in at least two dock sections; whereby the at least two dock sections are retained together by the at least one coupling member.

Abstract: Wave attenuation systems are disclosed. For example, a wave-attenuating panel can define a plane, a center-of buoyancy and a center-of-mass spaced from the center-of-buoyancy such that the panel is stably buoyant in a liquid with the plane oriented vertically. Wave attenuators are also disclosed. Such a wave attenuator can comprise a first row of support members extending vertically relative to a seabed and a second row of support members spaced from the first row. A vertically oriented, movable panel can be positioned between the first row and the second row, such that the panel is configured to rise and fall in a substantially vertical plane. Such wave attenuators can also comprise a second, fixed panel that remains submerged.

Abstract: This invention relates to the creation of man-made islands and other like floating structures using composite materials, such as plastic foam coated with a Fiber Reinforced Coating (FRC), such as Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC).

Abstract: There is provided a dock having a pair of primary frame members and a pair of secondary frame members. A plurality of cross members extends between the pair of primary frame members. The dock includes a plurality of cross member connectors for connecting the cross members to the primary frame members. Each cross member connector includes a frame contact portion and a cross member engagement portion extending from the frame contact portion. The frame contact portion is connected to a respective one of the plurality of primary frame members. The cross member engagement portion defines a channel sized and configured to receive the alignment plate of a respective one of the plurality of cross members. A roller assembly may also be included for stabilizing the dock relative to an adjacent piling.

Abstract: Floats having a buoyant portion and a chamber portion hold liquid within their chambers above the interface of the surrounding body of liquid and gas which creates a downward force which stabilizes the float. If the liquid is water, the float holds water in the inner chamber which is disposed above the waterline of the body of water in which the float is suspended. The elevated water exerts a downward force that acts against rocking, swaying, and other destabilizing forces.

Abstract: A buoyant walkway or island and its method of manufacture. In a preferred embodiment, the buoyant walkway comprising: an internal frame comprising semi-rigid members that are attached to one another, said internal semi-rigid frame having openings; an internal block disposed in each of said openings, said internal blocks being spaced apart from one another by gaps and forming a top surface and a bottom surface; cured thermoplastic foam disposed in said gaps that attach said internal blocks to said semi-rigid internal frame and to one another; a permeable top layer that is attached to said top surface; and a bottom layer that is attached to said bottom surface.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a floating module to a beached module of a modular wharf, the connector comprising: a resilient member adapted for resiliently opposing movement of the floating module toward the beached module; a sliding connector for slidably connecting said floating module to said beached module to allow vertical movement of the floating module relative to the beached module during tides of said body of water while restricting horizontal and lateral movement of said floating module.

Abstract: An inflatable lift system for to lift and maneuver a boat lift upon a body of water. The inflatable lift system includes a floatation assembly including a plurality of air inflatable floatation members for lifting a movable structure, and also includes a support assembly for supporting and securing the air inflatable floatation members to the movable structure.

Abstract: The present document describes a dock unit attachable to another dock unit with a fastener for forming a floating dock. The dock unit comprises a floating body having a mating surface and an attachment adapted to receive the fastener. Thereby attaching the floating body is able to be attached to the other dock unit. The dock unit further comprises a cover for covering the mating surface, the cover having a contact surface adapted to contact the fastener. In use, the contact surface is positioned proximate the attachment so that, when the attachment receives the fastener, the contact surface is contacted by the fastener, thereby limiting the movement of the cover with respect to the floating body.

Abstract: A floating energy generating device includes at least two wind turbines mounted on a floating open structure, the floating open structure being moored to the seabed with a mooring system, each wind turbine featuring in operation mode a blade and rotor part mounted at the top of a tower and being connected via a cable to a central control power electronic unit on the floating open structure, the central control power unit being connected to a submerged high voltage power export cable for exporting the electricity generated by the at least two windmills, characterized in that the floating open structure being connectable to or disconnectable from the mooring system and that when disconnected from the mooring system, the center of gravity of the floating open structure is at or below its center of buoyancy.

Abstract: The invention provides a composite building that will float if the building site is flooded. The materials of the composite are resistant to mold and mildew.

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: The invention relates to a foundation construction platform adapted for foundation construction in a beach or offshore areas. The platform comprises a platform body (1), outriggers (5) mounted on the bottom of the platform body (1), a first hoisting frame (11) and first slide rails (21) longitudinally disposed along the platform body (1), the first hoisting frame (11) having a first lifting member (31) attached to the first transverse beam (111) thereof and the first hoisting frame (11) being capable of sliding along the first slide rails (21). Without other auxiliary equipments, such as, a crane, the operations like removing or rotating a pile can be carried out to decrease the number of the auxiliary equipments on a foundation construction platform so as to reduce the operation cost of the foundation construction platform. The present invention also provides a foundation construction platform including above mentioned hoisting equipments.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a floating dock system, the floating dock system comprising at least two dock sections, said dock sections said dock sections comprising substantially horizontal slots along at least one edge; and at least one coupling member configured to engage a horizontal slot in at least two dock sections; whereby the at least two dock sections are retained together by the at least one coupling member.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a floating type of a boat dock or platform includes a plurality of synthetic material decking members that are disposed along the sides and top of the dock. Urethane foam is applied to an interior of the apparatus and it expands to fill the interior voids while simultaneously securing the decking members proximate one-another by securing them to the urethane foam. Accordingly, a monolithic structure is provided without the use of fasteners. Corner members are used that extend around an upper perimeter of the dock. Side members are used to form the sides, ends, and the decking material that forms an upper surface. An optional rounded member is preferably used at the bottom along a perimeter of the apparatus. Optional features, including elastomeric coating, filler blocks, utility conduits, sunken vaults, cleats, upper decking surface and waterline heating are also described.

Abstract: A portable trailer dock system features a floating dock assembly pivotally mounted atop a trailer frame to allow elevating of a free end of the floating dock assembly above the corresponding distal end of the trailer opposite the towing end thereof so that the dock can be held above the water surface when the trailer is backed into a body of water to temporarily install the dock thereat. In another embodiment, the connection between the dock and trailer is releasable to allow floating of the dock further out over the water. Another embodiment features a cover disposed over an a-frame neck of the trailer and a pair of extensions pivotally mounted to opposite sides of the neck for selective pivoting into deployed positions cooperating with the a-frame cover to form a walkway between the dock and the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A concrete floating dock can be formed using a form that has an inner and an outer form. Concrete sections can be cast such that they include a deck portion and two longitudinally extending side walls that extend downwardly from the deck portion. The concrete sections can be removed from the form and coupled together to form a concrete floating dock. One or more buoyancy elements can be positioned in the cavities of the fully cured concrete sections before or after the concrete sections are coupled to each other.

Abstract: A dock assembly comprising a platform section and also a counterweight section. The platform section comprises a main central panel section made of a drop-stitch panel, and also a side closure portion to provide its buoyancy. The counterweight section comprises flexible containing members that can be filled with water and positioned in or below water so that the weight of the mass of water has no affect, but does have a counter-balance effect in certain portions of the assembly are being lifted above the operating elevation.

Abstract: A floating platform system comprises first and second outer longitudinal beam members securing a truss frame having a plurality of truss elements. The floating platform system may further include at least one biasing device exerting a force on the longitudinal beam members and/or the truss frame. The floating platform system may further include a platform interface and/or at least one flotation device secured to the longitudinal beam members and/or the truss frame. The floating platform system may further include a plurality of inner longitudinal beam members interposed between the platform interface and/or the flotation device and the outer longitudinal beam members and/or the truss frame.

Abstract: Mooring system for a loading station, i.e. a mooring system for a loading station which can be located in a safe distance from a production platform/vessel, where a conventional tanker with dynamic positioning and bow loading equipment can be connected for loading/unloading from a stationary floating platform/vessel, where a loading station (4) is connected to a flexible conduit (3) anchored to the seabed in a point (9) by at least one line (13) to at least one anchor (5) and at least one weight (6) resting on the seabed.

Abstract: There is provided a dock having a pair of primary frame members and a pair of secondary frame members. The primary and secondary frame members are formed of a fiber-reinforced resin material. The primary frame members extend parallel to a primary axis and are arranged in opposed, spaced parallel relation to each other. Likewise, the secondary frame members extend parallel to a secondary axis and are arranged in opposed, spaced parallel relation to each other. Each secondary frame member is connected to the pair of primary frame members. The dock also includes a plurality of cross members. Each cross member is connected to and extends between the pair of primary frame members. Each cross member includes an upper platform contact face disposed within a common upper platform contact plane.

Abstract: The inventive arrangement of motorized floating mobile systems (7; 107; 207) for moving mooring booms (4A to 4E) for boats B in inner harbors (P), to translationally move the booms (4A to 4E) perpendicular thereto, to provide maneuvering space for the boats (B), is arranged between at least two adjacent booms (4; 4A to 4E), whereas the other spaces between booms are closed for maneuvering. Each system comprises: means for positioning the booms transverse to the translation direction; means (9, 10) disposed on the two ends of each system for attaching the front portion of adjacent systems together or to an attaching means arranged on the end of a pier or a fixed boom; means for translationally guiding parallel to a pier or a main pontoon, with respect to a fixed point of a pile or dolphin (8); and means for translationally moving the booms in a synchronous manner.

Abstract: Floating pier (1) comprising one or several interconnected modules (2, 3), where each module (2, 3) comprises a lower floating part (5) and an upper superstructure (15) provided with one or several internal storage room(s) (35) for preferably storage—and/or parking space for vehicle (36) and boats (37).

Abstract: Connectors having redundant fasteners for interconnecting adjacent structures are disclosed. Some connectors have first and second bearing bodies and a member disposed between the bearing bodies. A first fastener is held in tension and extends through the bearing bodies and the member. The tension in the first fastener urges the bearing bodies against each other in compression. A second fastener held in loose engagement relative to the bearing bodies and the member extends through the bearing bodies. On release of the tension in the first fastener, such as by failure of the first fastener, the second fastener is placed in tension.

Abstract: Methods and systems for transportation and processing of a cryogenic fluid. The system includes a floating liquefaction unit receiving a gas from a source, a shuttle vessel for carrying liquefied gas away from the liquefaction unit, a floating regasification unit for receiving the liquefied gas from the vessel, regasifying the liquefied gas and providing the gas to a distribution system.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed especially configured and adapted for mooring a floating dock to a mooring pile. The apparatus minimizes damage to both dock and mooring piles caused by changes in tide, waves, wake and other water disturbances while, simultaneously, adding stability to the floating dock—especially in regarding to listing—. The apparatus is comprised of a cylindrical sleeve which is coaxially applied to a mooring pile, a dock mounted mooring bracket comprised of a base plate which connects to the sleeve mounted upon the pile via at least two “U” shaped arms which are disposed in a parallel, spaced-apart relation which engage selected and parallel circumferential grooves formed in the outer surface of the sleeve. The base plate, in turn, is affixed to a structurally sound portion of a dock such as a horizontally disposed plate.

Abstract: A wave-attenuating system. The wave-attenuating system includes a flexible, resilient barrier member that is disposed in a body of water and oriented to interrupt and dissipate the wave action of oncoming waves. The barrier member desirably is constructed from a substantially neutrally or slightly negatively buoyant material so that the overall depth, length, and/or thickness can be increased as needed for a particular application while adding little deadweight to the system in water. The barrier member can be supported by a flotation device in a floating breakwater, or alternatively, the barrier member can be secured to a stationary structure in a fixed breakwater.

Abstract: A floating platform system comprises first and second outer longitudinal beam members securing a truss frame having a plurality of truss elements. The floating platform system may further include at least one biasing device exerting a force on the longitudinal beam members and/or the truss frame. The floating platform system may further include a platform interface and/or at least one flotation device secured to the longitudinal beam members and/or the truss frame. The floating platform system may further include a plurality of inner longitudinal beam members interposed between the platform interface and/or the flotation device and the outer longitudinal beam members and/or the truss frame.

Abstract: A boat slip step assembly (10) for being mounted proximate the corner of a boat slip (16). The step assembly (10) includes at least one tread member (24) for being mounted in a corner of the boat slip (16) below the level of the upper surface of the boat dock (14) that defines the boat slip (16). The tread member (24) has a first edge portion (26) for being secured to a first dock section (20), and a second edge portion (28) for being secured to a second dock section (22).