Abstract: A barrier for small boats has a plurality of flotation modules on lines extending across a waterway. The flotation modules are cast from a buoyant concrete mixture of cement, water, beaded forms of expanded polystyrene, and polypropylene fibers that is non-water-absorbing, crushable, not susceptible to failure in shear, and has a density lighter than water. The mixture can have cement with the beads in a ratio of about 1:3.5 by volume, the water with the cement in a ratio of about 0.5 (1:2) by weight and the fibers with the cement in a ratio of about 1:141 by weight. Lines pass thru the flotation modules and slip upon impact of a flotation module by a speeding boat, and the buoyant concrete mixture crushes to absorb some energy of the impact. The barrier is relatively low cost, can be made next to a waterway from readily available materials by unskilled workers and is deployed in a minimum amount of time.

Abstract: A pier system having tethered deck sections that are selectively separable from supporting pile bents to prevent damage to the pier system during storm events. The pier system includes a plurality of deck sections supported above water by pile bents and engaged therewith in normal use mode by selective attachment mechanisms. In deployment mode, the attachment mechanisms are disengaged to allow the deck sections to be removed from the pile support systems by storm action. The tethers allow the decking sections to float free but remain close to the pile bents. The system may be reassembled into normal use mode following the storm event.

Abstract: A floating structure (1), such as a mooring buoy, moored to the seabed (2) via anchor lines (3,4) that comprise an anchor line section (9,10) which is stretchable in its length direction, such as a polyester line. A water-resistant element (7,8) is connected at or near the upper end of at least one of the stretchable anchor line sections (9,10) for resisting displacement in the length direction of the anchor lines (3,4). Preferably the water-resistance element (7,8) is connected to the floating structure (1) via a substantially non-stretchable anchor line section (5,6), such as chain section. The floating structure (1) can be moored in deep water, and reduces fatigue weakening of the floating structure (1) and of the anchor lines (3,4).

Abstract: The invention is a method for lifting and transporting a heavy load by using a heavy lift vessel with at least two heavy lift cranes adapted to operate simultaneously; mounting fly-jibs on the heavy lift crane to increase reach and height of the heavy lift crane; picking up a load from a first location using the fly-jib modules simultaneously; shifting the load from the first location to over a second location on the heavy lift vessel; placing the load on the second location; moving the heavy lift vessel to a second position; using a mooring system to maintain the heavy lift vessel at the second position; picking up the load from the second location using the fly-jib modules simultaneously; shifting the load from a second location to over a third location; and placing the load on the third location.

Abstract: A portable flotation platform is disclosed for use in supporting a load of equipment, hunting dogs, or personnel above the level of a body of water. The platform includes a deck constructed to be of an overall density less than that of water and sized so as to support the load above the level of the water. An anchor extends down to the bottom of the water and up to the deck to hold the deck on station in the water. The deck is provided with a carrying attachment to facilitate the user carrying the deck to a point of deployment at the water. The deck further has anchor storage for carrying the anchor along with the deck to the point of deployment.

Abstract: A weather resistant dock walkway comprises a dock walkway substructure in combination with a plurality of elongated planks each with a first and second opposite ends. The planks are rotatable between a horizontal position and a vertical position, and are arranged side-by-side. The first and second opposite ends of each plank are attached to the opposite ends of the substructure. The planks are responsive to contact with a body of water such that the planks rotate from a horizontal position to a vertical position to enable surging water to circulate freely between the vertical planks to prevent surge damage to the weather resistant dock walkway. A ratchet system can be used to reversibly lock the planks in a vertical position.

Abstract: A floating drive on dry dock includes a variable buoyancy beam positioned below the deck of the dock. The beam is formed of separate cells that can be filled with air from a common feeder line. Separate inlet risers allow air into each cell. As the air moves into each cell, water is displaced out an opening in the bottom of the cell. The flow of air and water is restricted or damped to assure even filling of the cells in a beam. The feeder line and risers can be back filled with water to limit air flow between cells. Multiple beams can be used to achieve the desired buoyancy.

Abstract: A dock system comprises a shore base with a train of disengageable dock module components comprising floatable modules with connector assemblies for releasably connecting the modules. The system includes laterally spaced posts, with lake bed engaging dock supporting base parts. The module components are vertically slidably on the posts to move from a lower floating position to a raised position safely above the water. A module transport device is operable to move the modules sequentially forwardly to form a train as the modules are sequentially connected or to move the modules sequentially rearwardly to remove them to shore as the modules are sequentially unlocked.

Abstract: A portable dock structure for the temporary docking of boats, particularly of pontoon or houseboats and the like, the dock structure having a gangway having an anchor end adapted for securing the structure to the shore of a body of water and having a boat end adapted for affixing to a boat, a flotation device on the gangway adjacent the boat end whereby the boat end can be first floated from the shore out into the water and the anchor end then secured to the shore and then the boat end affixed to a boat to thereby provide a stable passageway between the boat and the shore.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel floating wave attenuator. More particularly, this invention pertains to a novel design of floating wave attenuator which has a curved vertical wave alternating wall section, a bottom vertical motion braking flange, and an air chamber for adjusting buoyancy. A floating wave attenuator comprising: (a) a wall having an exterior surface and an interior surface; (b) a flange associated with the wall and extending from at least one of the exterior surface and the interior surface of the wall; and (c) an air chamber in the interior of the wall, the air chamber being filled with air to adjust the buoyancy of the attenuator.

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 floating dock module has a hollow body, preferably hexagonal prismatic, with hexagonal top and bottom walls with side walls and bolt access wells in the top wall with bolt holes extending laterally between each bolt access well and an adjacent side wall for interconnecting dock modules together into various shapes. The resulting dock assembly is flexible and able to conform with wave action. Mating protrusions and recesses in side walls together with bolts secure the high-density roto-moulded polyethylene plastic modules together. Preferably the side walls have a chamfered top and bottom edge to enhance the flexibility of the connection. The top wall includes drainage grooves, the side walls of which form vertical reinforcing ribs. An upwardly extending peripheral wall enables placement of mats, foam, carpet, wood, gravel or sand in the top surface. The bottom wall includes downwardly open float cavities and the top wall includes accessory support holes for railing posts or parasols.

Abstract: A portable flotation platform is disclosed for use in supporting a load of equipment or hunting dogs above the level of a shallow body of water. The platform includes a deck constructed to be of an overall density less than that of water and sized so as to support the load above the level of the water. An anchor extends down to the bottom of the water and up to the deck to hold the deck on station in the water. The deck is provided with a carrying attachment to facilitate the user carrying the deck to the point of deployment on the water.

Abstract: An anchoring arrangement is provided for anchoring a dock leg to a bottom of a body of water. A base plate has a lumber or timber receiver on its top surface and has three or more anchor legs that are attached to the base plate and that extend downwardly. At least one of the anchor legs preferably has a fluke pivotally attached to it so that when the anchor leg is pushed downwardly into a bottom of a body of water the fluke pivots into contact with the anchor leg. A subsequent attempt to pull the anchor leg upward causes the fluke to pivot into an extended position in which it provides additional resistance to the upward motion of the anchoring leg. Most small docks have legs made of conventional lumber or timbers large enough to provide a buoyant force adequate to support thsi metal anchoring apparatus.

Abstract: A floating dock assembly comprising a plurality of interconnected concrete float sections is disclosed. Each float section comprises a concrete shell having a deck portion, opposing side walls, opposing end walls, and an open bottom which together define a flotation container. A self-centering flotation core is disposed in the flotation container and has a bottom portion that extends outside thereof to increase the freeboard of the float section. The concrete shell further includes a pair of opposing, horizontally projecting concrete structural side flanges extending along the length of each side wall and a pair of opposing, horizontally projecting concrete end flanges extending along the length of each end wall. Each flange is of sufficient thickness to permit direct attachment of mooring accessories and dock hinges for interconnecting adjacent float sections without additional structural components such as conventional timber wales.

Abstract: A dock support bracket has a central clamp of general C shape having an internal channel and opposing first and second side arms. The bracket has a clamping screw and a first beam mounting base on the first side arm and has an abutment and a second beam mounting base on the second side arm. The second beam mounting base is angular to the second side arm and to the first beam mounting base. Dock section beams can be mounted on the respective mounting bases of the bracket to form a dock. A dock support post can be received within the channel of the clamp, and pressed by the clamping screw of the first side arm against slippage on the post. Docks formed using the bracket have minimal or no side projecting hardware.

Abstract: A submersible floating dock which can be sunk beneath the water line in the event of the approach of a violent storm for protection of the dock against wave action, storm surge, and high winds. A dock with a deck supported on hollow floatation chambers is attached to pilings by rings. The rings allow the dock to move up and down in response to changes in the water level. As a storm approaches water is allowed to enter the hollow floatation chambers which are ordinarily filled with air. This causes the dock and deck to sink beneath the water line making it resistent to damage from storm surge, wave action, and high winds. After the storm has passed, pressurized air is introduced into the floatation chambers forcing the water in the floatation chambers out of the chamber. The air increases the buoyancy of the floatation chambers, hence, of the dock so that it rises above the water line for use by an owner after the danger of storm surge, high winds, and waves has passed.

Abstract: A floating dock assembly comprising a plurality of interconnected concrete float sections is disclosed. Each float section comprises a concrete shell having a deck portion, opposing side walls, opposing end walls, and an open bottom which together define a flotation container. A self-centering flotation core is disposed in the flotation container and has a bottom portion that extends outside thereof to increase the freeboard of the float section. The flotation core is configured such that each side of the bottom portion abuts against the inside surface of an adjacent formwork wall when it is placed in a formwork for casting the concrete shell. The flotation core is therefore prevented from shifting off-center during the casting process and the balance of the float section is substantially improved.

Abstract: A floating dock includes sheet metal clips on its outboard side. The clips carry utility lines that extend into a utility tower mounted on one of many inter-connected buoyant wharf modules forming the dock. The clip, in combination with wales that connect the outboard sides of the modules together, provide an enclosed volume for the utility lines. Contact between the utility lines and a metal base of the clips is prevented by a pair of electric insulating sleeves, each having a slot that fits into each edge of utility clip base. The module carrying the tower includes a tunnel and a depression in a deck of the dock, under the tower. Utility lines from a side of the modules opposite from the side carrying the clips extend through the tunnel, into the tower via the depression. Utility lines in the clips go into the tower via the depression and aligned openings in the tower base and depression.

Abstract: A floating dock including many buoyant wharf modules having approximately the same exterior size and shape, as well as density properties, relative to a pile extending through a vertically extending passage in one of the modules. The passage has four straight walls defining a square in the horizontal plane. A roller is at each corner of the square. The roller which is normally spaced from the cylindrical pile, contacts the pile as the dock bobs. A bracket mounted on a carrier having fixed tabs encased in a concrete deck of the module can be moved to different radial positions relative to the center, vertical axis of the passage, to accommodate different diameter piles. A permanent mold form for the concrete includes the lips extending upwardly from the passage side walls and lips extending upwardly from exterior side walls of a closed shell having foam therein. The shell has a roof forming the permanent mold form floor. The roof extends between the lips.

Abstract: Buoyant wharf modules of a floating dock include a rotary molded polyethylene structure having a lower shell portion filled with a steamed polystyrene foam and an upper portion that is a permanent mold form for a concrete aggregate-water mixture. The foam has sufficient compressive strength so that when the mixture is poured into the form over a reinforcing mesh, the form remains stable. The form includes troughs and mesas shaped so that the water flows by gravity to sumps adjacent walls of the form. The walls have openings so the water can flow from modules. Lined tunnels in the set concrete include removable rods having threaded ends which extend through openings in wales extending along longitudinal walls of the modules. Nuts and washers threaded on the rods abut exterior side walls of the wales to hold the modules together. Short spacer tubes having straight side walls abut wales of side-by-side modules.

Abstract: A floating dock section that is secure, economical and durable and can be coupled together with a similar type section by a connecting member that fits into a socket of the dock section. Each connecting member has flanges that fit into receiving sockets of two adjacent dock sections to form a dock of a preferred configuration so that the dock sections can be arranged in a plethora of configurations. Modular pieces for end posts and other accessories can be added. The bottom surface of the dock section includes a plurality of rectangularly shaped closely spaced apart troughs that are in a parallel alignment with one another.

Abstract: A dock system having a float including a top wall. The top wall has a periphery and a central portion spaced from the periphery. The float also has a bottom wall and a continuous side wall connecting the top wall to the bottom wall about the periphery of the top wall. A connection member spaced from said periphery connects the top wall to the bottom wall generally at the central portion, and a deck is connected to said float to form a floating pier or deck.

Abstract: A float which may be utilized individually or which may be joined to other such floats or used with other elements to provide flotation for a deck or dock unit. Though the particular shapes and attributes of the float may vary for the particular use, the basic float consists of a hollow, preferably rotocast, unit which combines an exterior skin with attachment accommodations having a selectable top surface and a first and second flotation concept. The first flotation is provided by the buoyancy of the hollow structure with the second achieved through a plurality of selectively shaped and positioned cavities extending upwardly from the bottom surface of the float to a location at or adjacent the upper surface of the float. With this dual flotation provision, should the exterior skin of the float be pierced, allowing water to fill the interior thereof, flotation is provided by air entrapment within the formed cavities.

Abstract: An apparatus of and a method for the construction of an environmentally-friendly floating dock structure using heavy-gauge plastic tubing as pontoon floats with an overlying series of deck crosspieces is presented. The plastic pontoon floats are made from a high-density polyethylene material and arranged with the overlying deck crosspieces in such a manner as to provide the floating dock with a greater degree of stability, and are themselves constructed containing a highly buoyant material. The junctures between the adjoining pieces of the pontoon floats are sealed water-tight by a plastic joining process.

Abstract: A portable boat dock and ramp, whose overall length is adjustable telescopically, one end of which connects to a swim step of a water skiing boat or other boat equipped with a swim step and the other end of which is anchored to a shoreline, thereby providing a secure mooring of said boat to said shoreline as well as providing a bridge between said shoreline and said boat for ingress and egress of people, equipment and supplies. One section of said boat dock fits slidably inside the other section for transport and storage. In use, an inside ramp section slidably projects or telescopes-out of the outside ramp section to create a ramp whose overall length can be up to almost twice the length of a single ramp section. A cushioned, "U" shaped channel, which connects to the swim step of a boat, is fixed at one end of said dock. A polystyrene foam board is installed inside said inside ramp section to provide adequate buoyancy for floatation when a boat is not moored to said dock.

Abstract: A float unit includes a number of corrugated side surfaces and a number of holed ears each formed between each two adjacent side corrugated surfaces. One of the corrugated side surfaces of one float unit engages with that of another float unit to provide friction therebetween to thereby reliably prevent from disengagement between the float units.

Abstract: A constant force dock compensator that provides an mooring system for floating docks. The dock compensator is comprised of constant force power springs, a reel around which sufficient lengths of cable are wound, and a case containing the springs, cables and reel. The dock compensator is attached underneath a floating dock. The cables are withdrawn from the dock compensator and attached to weights placed on the floor of the body of water. The springs maintain a constant pull-force on the cables to hold the dock in place, and the cables automatically dispense or retract to compensate for changes in water level. Thereby, the dock has some leeway in terms of movement in response thereto, but is eventually stabilized by the dock compensator.

Abstract: A flotation element for placement under a floating dock provides an elongate rectilinear flotation block carrying two spaced upper surface beams on its upper surface, and two spaced lower surface beams on its lower surface. The upper surface beams extend from one end of the flotation block to project beyond the second end, where they define holes to interconnect a tension member, and the lower surface beams extend between the ends of the flotation block. For use, a pulling support carrying a pulling device having an elongate flexible tensile element is positioned on or adjacent to the dock. The flotation element is placed on a first dock side, the pulling device is supported to move the tensile element toward the second dock side, and the tensile element is passed beneath the dock and attached to the projecting ends of the upper surface beams.

Abstract: A dock module comprises an air-tight flotation chamber with a buoyant foam material positioned within an upper end thereof. The flotation chamber includes aperture positioned on its bottom end to permit water to enter the chamber and serve as a ballast. To float the dock module, compressed air is injected into the flotation chamber to increase the module's buoyancy and adjust its freeboard so that the buoyant foam is lifted completely above the water contained within the flotation chamber. If the air-tight flotation chamber fails, the buoyant foam will prevent the dock module from becoming submerged. Each module comprises a plurality of longitudinally and laterally extending tubes that can be used to attach the module to a like module using tubular couplers and tensioned cabling. Multiple modules can thus be joined in any desired configuration to yield a floating dock system having virtually any desired geometry.

Abstract: A floating dock comprising a pair of flotation tanks arranged in parallel side-by-side relation, a plurality of transverse, equispaced double-saddle brackets having a pair of spaced-apart saddles each adapted to receive a flotation tank straddling said tanks along the length of the tanks, and connector means adapted to partially encircle each tank and to seat in a recess between corrugations extending from each saddle for connecting the tanks to the saddle brackets. The flotation tank comprises a cylindrical smooth inner wall and a corrugated outer wall coextensive and concentric with said inner wall defining a plurality of equispaced peripheral annular flotation cells extending along the inner cylindrical wall, and a closure plate at each end of the cylindrical walls connected to the inner and outer walls in a water-tight relationship defining a central flotation cell.

Abstract: A decking extrusion for use in forming the deck members used to construct outdoor decks, docks, and similar structures is disclosed. The extrusion has an elongate planar base panel (7) with a first elongate side edge (8), and a spaced parallel elongate second side edge (9). At least one first elongate leg member (12) extends the length of the first side edge of the base panel, and at least one elongate second leg member (15) spaced from and parallel to the first leg member extends the length of the second side edge of the base panel. A first locking element (17) is formed at the distal end of the first leg member, and a corresponding locking element (30), sized and shaped to receive a second one of the first locking elements therein, is formed at the distal end of the second leg member. The extrusion may also be provided with an intermediate stiffening leg (126) having a transverse flange (127) formed at its distal end parallel to the base panel to add structural rigidity to the extrusion.

Abstract: A pier comprising a floating pierhead structure which has transverse thrurs to assist maneuvering operations and four pedestal cranes to move cargo from and to ocean going ships docked at the structure. At the stern of the structure is a stern ramp receiving platform which is used during cargo off loading operations to allow access to the structure from ships equipped with stern ramps. The mooring system for the floating pierhead structure consist of a single point mooring anchor system located at the bow of the structure and four anchor legs located at the stern of the structure. This mooring system ensures minimal movement of the floating pierhead structure at its bow where the floating pierhead structure interfaces with a fixed position approachway, but allows the structure to be rotated over an arc of ninety degrees. The approachway for the rapidly deployed pier is a fixed position roadway connecting the floating pierhead structure to the shore line.

Abstract: A cross-shaped float platform for use at sea watching and fishing, including 4 long trunk buoys having a plurality of columns connected to form in a cross-shaped float, a structural suspension frame mounted on the columns, decks suspendedly disposed on the lower part of the suspension frame at the middle part of the columns and stretching between the two sides (port and starboard) and along the longitudinal direction, a central connecting member pivotedly connected to each of the buoys, reinforcing elements provided at each connecting portion of the buoys, and a sun canopy mounted on the suspension frame for covering the deck. The cross-shaped fishing float platform can be separated out from the connecting member and folded up to form a dual composite float to facilitate its entry or leave from small harbors or ports.

Abstract: A pier unit includes a float having substantially a box shape with an opening at the top and including a flange extending outward along a top peripheral edge thereof; a rectangular frame attached to the float; a deck provided on the frame; and a connecting member secured to at least one of four corners of the frame for connecting the pier unit to another pier unit.

Abstract: An extrusion for use in a floor assembly that is secured to a rigid underlying support. The extrusion has an exposed surface and a base section underlying the exposed surface. The extrusion is made of a first extruded material, preferably a hard polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and more preferably a co-extrusion of a recycled polyvinyl chloride substrate covered by a weatherable polyvinyl chloride capstock. The base section has at least a portion thereof including a second extruded material which is interposed between the plastic extrusion and the rigid underlying support when the plastic extrusion is secured to the rigid underlying support. The second extruded material resists undesired squeaking sounds from occurring when weight bearing loads move on the floor assembly. A floor assembly adapted to be secured to an underlying rigid support and a complete floor assembly and rigid underlying support are also disclosed.

Abstract: An extrusion for use in a floor assembly that is secured to a rigid underlying support. The extrusion has an exposed surface and a base section underlying the exposed surface. The extrusion is made of a first extruded material, preferably a hard polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and more preferably a co-extrusion of a recycled polyvinyl chloride substrate covered by a weatherable polyvinyl chloride capstock. The base section has at least a portion thereof including a second extruded material which is interposed between the plastic extrusion and the rigid underlying support when the plastic extrusion is secured to the rigid underlying support. The second extruded material resists undesired squeaking sounds from occurring when weight bearing loads move on the floor assembly. A floor assembly adapted to be secured to an underlying rigid support and a complete floor assembly and rigid underlying support are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mooring device for connecting a floating object to a moorage structure includes an elongate resiliently yieldable member which has a longitudinally-extending, normally arcuate shape when in an unstressed state. The yieldable member is operatively connected between the floating object at a first end and the moorage structure at a second end. The yieldable member is yieldably bendable from the normally arcuate shape to a more arcuate shape in response to movement of the floating object toward the moorage structure so as to yieldably resist the movement. One exemplary non-portable embodiment include a base which connects the second end to the moorage structure. Another exemplary embodiment includes a removable resilient fender which is adapted to connect the first end to the floating object for portability. A third exemplary embodiment is adapted selectively either for portable or non-portable use.

Abstract: A boat lift having opposite sides with a pair of air bladders secured to the sides, respectively. An air bladder enclosure surrounding each air bladder. The enclosures defining the size and shape of the bladders when the bladders are inflated. The lift is more buoyant when the bladders are inflated whereby the lift may be floated to and from position and sunk as desired.

Abstract: A mooring device for connecting a floating object to a moorage structure includes an elongate resiliently yieldable member which has a longitudinally-extending, normally arcuate shape when in an unstressed state. The yieldable member is operatively connected between the floating object at a first end and the moorage structure at a second end. The yieldable member is yieldably bendable from the normally arcuate shape to a more arcuate shape in response to movement of the floating object toward the moorage structure so as to yieldably resist the movement. One exemplary embodiment would include a base which connects the second end to the moorage structure. Another exemplary embodiment would include a removable resilient fender which is adapted to connect the first end to the floating object.

Abstract: A floating dock that includes one or more box-like elements, each defined by a pair of spaced-apart, elongate, rigid beams between which extend top and bottom plates and end walls. The chamber so formed is partially filled with blocks of closed-cell EPS foam, the lower portion of the chamber being adapted to receive water from the body on which the float is positioned to act as ballast. Tie rods extend between the beams to retain them in engagement with the top and bottom plates.

Abstract: A modular environmental mooring system generally of star shaped configuration accommodates a plurality of boats at circumferentially spaced, radially extending positions with respect to a central dock member. The central dock member is of generally annular configuration which includes a plurality of segments, each having a planar outwardly facing endwall and a pair of planar sidewalls lying in spaced apart angularly disposed planes. The segments are arranged with their sidewalls in a contiguous relationship. The boats float alongside a plurality of elongated finger dock members which extend radially outwardly from associated endwalls of the segments. Each segment and each finger dock member includes a plastic foam core member having planar structural sheet members which coterminously underlie and overlie the plastic foam core and are bonded to the plastic foam core.

Abstract: A device for maintaining docks or other floating bodies at a given distance from and orientation to the shore by means of a ratchet assembly hinged on the side of the dock closest to shore, and a line attached to two guides, such as pulleys, on the underside of the dock. When the level of the water varies, the device maintains the dock at the same distance from the new waterline as it was from the old, in the following manner: the line is anchored at one end on shore and at the other to a bottom anchor beyond the farthest point the dock will extend to at lowest water level. Tension in the line pushes the dock towards the shore until the ratchet contacts the bottom, where equilibrium is established. If the water falls, the ratchet pushes the dock away from shore and a new equilibrium is established, farther out; this repeats as long as the water falls. If the level rises, the ratchet is raised off the bottom and the dock moves towards shore to a new equilibrium point. This continues as long as the water rises.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a floating dock which is economical, durable and easy to install and maintain. The dock is comprised of uniform floating docking sections coupled together with rubber male-type anchors which fit into female-type receiving sockets on the docking sections. The two anchors of the couplers are secured together by a tie rod. The docking sections eliminate the need for boat bumpers, wood planking or other additional parts and expenses but allow for the attachment of desired accessories such as spud pipes, gang planks and tie-up cleats. The versatile docking sections can be arranged in an unlimited number of dock designs.

Abstract: A floating construction includes a first box-shaped floating unit having a contact plane, a second box-shaped floating unit having a contact plane, a first connecting block having a bore therein and being connected to the contact plane of the first floating unit, a second connecting block having a first bore therein and being connected to the contact plane of the second floating unit, a connecting rod, and an intermediate element. The connecting rod extends through the first bores of the first and second connecting blocks such that a clearance exist between the a respective inner surface of said first bores of said first and second connecting blocks and the connecting rod, thereby allowing relative movement between the first bores of the first and second connecting blocks and the connecting rod.

Abstract: A shore-to-dock access system of the present invention includes an intermediate ramp 10, a buoyant platform 12, and a piling structure 13. The intermediate ramp is pivotally coupled to the shore or other fixed height structure and slidably connected to the buoyant platform. The buoyant platform then connects to a dock ramp 14, which extends to a dock 16. The buoyant platform and dock rise and fall with the water level, but the buoyant platform comes to rest on piling support structures when the water level drops sufficiently. In this manner the intermediate ramp and the dock ramp are always kept within a maximum predetermined slope suitable for wheelchair access.

Abstract: An interconnecting water platform composed of a plurality of buoyant units. The buoyant units have digitated interleaved edges for joining the units, and links attached to the sides of the units bridging the edges for interconnecting the units.

Abstract: A deck structure for a floating dock is comprised of a rectangular frame having opposite sides and opposite ends defined by interconnected C-shaped channel members facing inwardly of the frame and a plurality of cross members between and interconnected with the sides of the frame and constructed from C-shaped metal channel. The cross members have upper flanges spaced below the upper flanges of the side and end members of the frame, and deck units of wood material rest on the flanges of the cross members between the upper flanges of the side and end members of the frame which restrain displacement of the deck units relative to the frame in the directions between the opposite sides and opposite ends of the frame. The deck units have upper surfaces coplanar with the upper flanges of the frame, and the deck units are movable as such from the frame to provide access to passageways provided in the frame beneath the decking to accommodate utility lines and the like.

Abstract: A first plate pivotally mounted to a second plate is secured to a shoreline, wherein the second plate includes a central bore rotatably receiving a bridge plate axle therethrough, wherein the bridge plate axle is mounted orthogonally oriented relative to a plurality of parallel pontoons, wherein the pontoons include forward pointed ends and rear rudders to permit pivotment of the pontoons within the second plate accommodating various directions of current flow. The organization includes boat hook members mounted to a forward flange of the second plate for temporary securement of a boat thereto.

Abstract: An advanced automated vessel cargo transfer system for loading and unloading of ships and lighters. It includes an articulated manipulator arm mounted on a frame. The arm is provided with a spreader bar at the distal end thereof. The spreader bar is provided with facilities for grasping cargo. Sensors track the movement of the vessel, and automatically responsive controllers adjust the motion and position of the spreader bar to follow the motion of the vessel. Berthing modules are provided to aid in controlling the motion of the vessel. In a major embodiment, the manipulator arm is mounted on a transverse frame that bridges spaced-apart floating barges, and provisions are made for serving vessels both on the outboard and inboard sides of the barges. In another embodiment, the manipulator arm is shore-based.