Abstract: An improved water level compensation device is disclosed for adjusting the vertical position of a floating object relative to a fixed land mass. A first channel having a slot is attached to the fixed land mass in a substantially vertical position. A carriage is movably retained within the first channel for enabling bidirectional vertical movement therein. A mounting plate external to the first channel is affixed to the carriage through the slot in the first channel. A second channel is secured relative to the land mass for movably retaining a counterweight. A flexible cable interconnects the counterweight and the carriage. A coupler is affixed to the mounting plate for releasably coupling the floating object relative to the fixed land mass irrespective of variations in the vertical position of the floating object due to variations in water level.

Abstract: This invention relates to recovering the substructure of an offshore platform. A floating barge is used comprising a ballastable hull having a deck suitable for receiving the substructure in a substantially horizontal position and including ballastable floats disposed above the deck to right and to left of the intended location for the substructure. The hull and the floats are ballasted so that although it does not sink, the barge moves down into the water and tilts into a position where its deck can be moved against one of the faces of the substructure. The barge is fixed to the substructure, the substructure is disconnected from the sea bed, ballast is removed from the barge to return it to a position where it is floating and carrying the substructure, and the barge is moved to the desired location for unloading the substructure. The invention is applicable to recovering substructures of large dimensions.

Abstract: A boom for the installing of a small boat dock while the installer need not enter the water is presented along with the method for use. Diagonal supports necessary to the final installation in the best mode of the method invention are included.

Abstract: A floating dock having a plurality of spaced parallel finger floats disposed in spaced parallel relation to one another. Spaced headwalk float sections each having a first end and a second end and disposed in alignment with one another and perpendicular to said finger floats and between said finger floats. The first end of each headwalk float being hinged to a finger float to swing about a horizontal axis. Each said second end of each said headwalk float being attached to a finger float by means of a vertically extending pin means.

Abstract: A mooring system comprising a multiple degree of freedom coupler interconnecting a floatation section and an anchoring section of a dock system. The system also comprises a drawbridge section, a gangway section and a shoreline mooring section. The multiple degree of freedom coupler prevents hanging-up of the floatation sections which is an expensive, frequently occurring problem experienced by virtually every free floating anchor/sleeve dock system currently in existence.

Abstract: A mooring system comprising a multiple degree of freedom coupler interconnecting a floatation section and an anchoring section of a dock system. The system also comprises a drawbridge section, a gangway section and a shoreline mooring section. The multiple degree of freedom coupler prevents hanging-up of the floatation sections which is an expensive, frequently occurring problem experienced by virtually every free floating anchor/sleeve dock system currently in existence.

Abstract: An improved polyethylene float drum for marine structures has a preformed polystyrene core which is configured to dimensionally conform to the interior surfaces of the polyethylene walls of the drum. Because the preformed core fills the entire enclosure of the float drum, a dimensionally controlled float drum is provided with superior strength characteristics.

Abstract: A multi-element floating dock has shock-absorbing flexible tieing elements which are installed as a unit without any manual adjustment being required to create a pretension in the shock-absorbing components. Elastomeric pads positioned in aligned cavities formed in the edges of the dock sections receive the ends of the flexible tieing elements. Stops located on the ends of the tieing elements engage the pads so that adjacent dock sections cannot be separated from one another without compressing the pads and thereby creating a compressibly yieldable restraint against the separation of the dock sections and preventing their being separated from one another past a predetermined limit. An elastomeric spacer located between adjacent dock sections provides a compressibly yieldable restraint against moving the dock sections toward one another and prevents them from coming closer to one another than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A foldaway floating dock for use on a body of water includes a plurality of floatable dock sections and a frame for interconnecting the dock sections. The frame includes an arrangement for slidably supporting each of the dock sections for movement away from and toward an adjacent dock section. The frame further includes an arrangement for facilitating pivotal movement of each dock section through 90.degree. relative to an adjacent dock station. The arrangement for facilitating pivotal movement is operable only when a dock section is spaced from an adjacent dock section, thereby allowing a folding of the dock sections one upon the other.

Abstract: A floating dock includes a plurality of float modules comprised of containers having opposing walls, a deck with opposing edges mounted in spaced relationship above the float modules, and a pair of wales extending along opposing walls of the float modules and opposing edges of the deck. Compression rods extend between the wales and act on the pair of wales such that the compression rods exert compression force on the float modules and deck. A compression beam or plywood panel extends between the opposing walls of the container below the compression rod to create a box beam in combination with the wales and deck, therefore rigidifying the dock to enhance its portability on land and wave resistance properties in water. The float modules are spaced apart longitudinally of the dock to allow wave transparency and wash space for debris. The space between the deck and float modules forms a passageway for utility conduits.

Abstract: A floatable and sinkable concrete modular structure for making a wharf. The wharf is made of adjacent hollow shells in which water can be introduced or withdrawn by a low air pressure blower. The shells are fluidly interconnected by a piping system between the bottom of one shell with the upper part of the adjacent shell for progressingly tilting the wharf.

Abstract: A hinge assembly means for connecting a float to a base includes a male member means connected to one of the base and the float having a cylindrical outwardly extending boss and a female member means connected to the other of the base and the float having a cylindrical, inwardly-extending recess. A resilient, rubber-like bearing sleeve means encircles and engages the outer circumference of the boss and is of a thickness to fit between the boss and the recess to rotatably attach the recess about the outer circumference of the sleeve.

Abstract: Vertically adjustable floating dock units for mooring boats are adapted to be vertically adjustable relative to the water line. The floating dock unit contains a detachable pontoon mounting assembly to which pontoons are secured and the assembly is removably secured to the dock understructure at variable vertical height adjustments.

Abstract: A dock support having a piling composed of an upstanding rod the lower end of which is adapted to be embedded in the bottom of a body of water and an external telescoping sleeve having a cap at its upper end which normally confronts and seats on the upper end of the rod. A passage exists between the confronting surfaces of the inner and outer telescoping members and such passage is occupied by air, rather than water. The air prevents water in the passage rising to the level at which it may freeze, but should water in the passage rise to the freezing level compressed air may be admitted to the passage via a valve under sufficient pressure to purge such water.

Abstract: A floating pier structure comprising a floating platform, an anchored base, and an articulated, parallelogram linkage structure pivotably connecting the platform to the base so that the platform will remain substantially level on the surface as water conditions change. The linkage is also pivoted to the base so that the platform can be swung into shore without disassembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is an anchoring pad (12) and hinge arrangement (45) for use with a dock structure (10) in a body of water (11). The concrete anchoring pad (12) includes a steel angle (44) and a reinforcing structure (40). A hinge (45) having a vertical and horizontal leaf (47, 46) interconnects the anchoring pad (12) to the dock structure (10) by a plurality of bolts (53, 54). Also disclosed is a chain support (56) for stabilization of the vertical support structure (29) of the dock (10).

Abstract: Floating docks units adapted to float freely in water as floating docks for mooring boats, comprising a longitudinal box beam understructure supported by a flotation unit integrally secured to the box beam member. The floating dock unit further contains an upper plank deck comprising a plurality of planks secured diagonally to the longitudinal box beam member. The diagonal planks in combination with the unitary understructure of the box beam integrally secured to the formed metal flotation unit provides substantially increased strength and structural integrity to the floating dock unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a modular float, which is in the form of an integral, closed shell, hollow float that is light weight portable and easy to use. It is intended to support marine devices such as docks, rafts and the like. The modular float has two side walls, two end walls extending between the side walls, and a generally rounded lower portion and generally rectangular upper portion, both when viewed from one side. The upper portion has a number of intersecting grooves, which are designed to carry standard sized support members, which in turn carry a deck. The grooves have resilient ridges for releasably engaging the support members.

Abstract: A plurality of modules (66) are connected together to define a multi-story annular building (10) of honeycomb cells (C). The cells (C) of the building are hexagonal in cross section and taper horizontally as they extend radially inwardly. A turntable/elevator (36) is located in a shaft opening at or near the center of the building (10). A tunnel (48) extends through a side of the building (10). The building includes flotation cells at its bottom, some of which are air tight. Water is pumped into and out from the others, for regulating the vertical position of the building (10) in a body of water. An annular ring (66) of flotation material extends about the building (10) immediately below the water line. Each cell (C) is reinforced by a reinforcing ring (R1) extending about the girth of the cell (C). The rings (R1) are connected together vertically and horizontally to form a wall (RW1) of rings constituting a basic skeletal part of the building (10).

Abstract: A floating dock includes a plurality of float modules comprised of containers having opposing walls, a deck with opposing edges mounted in spaced relationship above the float modules, and a pair of wales extending along opposing walls of the float modules and opposing edges of the dock. Compression rods extend between the wales above the modules and act on the pair of wales such that the compression rods exert compression force on the float modules and deck. A compression beam extends between the opposing walls of the container below the compression rod to create a box beam in combination with the wales and deck, therefore rigidifying the dock to enhance its portability on land and wave resistance properties in water. The float modules are spaced apart longitudinally of the dock to allow wave transparency and wash space for debris.

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

Abstract: An improved floating dock/marina system having a monocoque-type frame structure. The embodiments disclosed include a dock structure defined by a main walkway section and a plurality of extended finger sections which are formed having longitudinal side-beam members, known as walers, that are interconnected by a plurality of spaced, transverse, beam members and a longitudinal center-beam structure. Various arrangements are provided for the beam structure, the transverse beam members and/or the longitudinal center-beam structure being formed having a height greater than the height of the waler side-beam members, whereby a crowning arrangement is defined. A decking is employed which comprises sheets of plywood which are attached to the framework. The crowning arrangement creates a central raised portion in the deck, the opposite sides of the deck being sloped downwardly and outwardly.

Abstract: A waterfront structure including a plurality of structure segments each containing a plurality of business units, the structure segments being arranged in a U-shaped configuration and fronting and overlying a portion of a body of water. The free ends of the U-shaped structure are spanned by a connecting walkway. Each structure segment defines dual pathway segments therethrough forming dual pathways providing access between each of the business units. A portion of the waterfront structure is configured to resemble a ship docked at said waterfront structure.

Abstract: The device is a floating pier with a sliding pile anchoring system arrangnt that avoids rigid connections to the pier and allows the pier to rise and lower with the tides and to remain level during lateral displacement while avoiding substantial tilt or rotation of the pier during seismic and maximum static loading. Preferably, piles that are arranged in pairs and are spaced along the centerline of the floating pier ride in pile guide assemblies attached to the pier deck, and include shear fail means which operate during overload conditions.

Abstract: A plurality of modules (66) are connected together to define a multi-story annular building (10) of honeycomb cells (C). The cells (C) of the building are hexagonal in cross section and taper horizontally as they extend radially inwardly. A turntable/elevator (36) is located in a shaft opening at or near the center of the building (10). A tunnel (48) extends through a side of the building (10). The building includes flotation cells at its bottom, some of which are air tight. Water is pumped into and out from the others, for regulating the vertical position of the building (10) in a body of water. An annular ring (66) of flotation material extends about the building (10) immediately below the water line. Each cell (C) is reinforced by a reinforcing ring (R1) extending about the girth of the cell (C). The rings (R1) are connected together vertically and horizontally to form a wall (RW1) of rings constituting a basic skeletal part of the building (10).

Abstract: A ramp apparatus which provides access from a pier to a moored floating dock. The ramp is attached at its upper end by means of a double gimbel joint so as to permit the lateral and vertical motion of the dock and ramp. The lower end of the ramp is provided with wheels for permitting limited motion of the ramp over the dock surface. Also disclosed is a means for providing additional stability for the ramp particularly for wider ramps.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dock connector for connecting two adjacent floating docks. The dock connectors are designed to accommodate substantial lateral, vertical and end-to-end relative motion between the docks. The dock connector includes mounting plates which are securely fastened to each dock segment and a spring which spans between and connects the two mounting plates. Spring connection means are provided to securely attach the ends of the spring to the mounting plates. Deflection limiters attached to the mounting plates help to support the spring and to prevent it from becoming sprung by over-deflection.

Abstract: A pontoon assembly for floating bridges includes four pivotally interconnected articulable floats providing a pontoon assembly having a folded and an unfolded position. Each of the floats is generally rectangularly shaped. In the unfolded position the pontoon assembly has an inner two floats and an outer two floats and the outer two floats are lengthwise connected to an outer edge of the inner two floats. The inner two floats each have an upper surface which provides a vehicular roadway. A rectangular recess is disposed in each of the outer two floats and the recess has a size sufficient to permit a ramp part to be removably positioned in there. The ramp parts have a height corresponding to the depth of the recess in order to provide a flush upper surface with the upper surface of the associated outer float. Each of the ramp parts includes lugs to permit connection with an inner float to thereby provide a closed rampway.

Abstract: An adjustable mooring device suitable for attaching a floating facility to a fixed platform, the said device comprising a system of adjustable tubular members connected to each other by rotatable T couplings, the said lower tubular members being permanently attached by a pair of T couplings rotatably mounted on a shaft which is fixably attached to the said platform, the upper legs of the said mooring device having tubular members extending forwardly, each of the said upper legs extending into at least one Y connection, the said Y connection being suitable for connecting to a floating facility; the lower section of the said Y connection being supported at the water surface by a float; the said Y connection being connected by suitable means to the said floating facility.

Abstract: A concrete marine float having a deck plate which is substantially wider than the width of the underlying casing in order to form overhanging flanges on opposite sides of the float. The flange is supported by longitudinally spaced gussets which extend from the sidewalls of the float to the underside of the deck. Utility conduits extending along the float beneath the flanges pass through the gussets and are thereby supported. The utility conduits pass upwardly through the deck to communicate with conventional utility outlets mounted on the deck.

Abstract: A connector for joining structural components which may be subjected to bending, shear, tensional and/or torsional forces at the joint is comprised of a fixture member spanning the joint between the structural components for coupling the same along a longitudinal connector axis generally normal to the joint, socket members disposed within each of the components to be joined and through which the fixture member passes, the sockets defining a shear pocket configured to receive a resilient shear cushion. The fixture member is preferably a compressive fixture member and includes resilient compression cushion members disposed intermediate the length thereof outwardly proximate the shear pocket and inwardly proximate adjustable compression members for establishing a compressive force across the joint. A bending cushion may be disposed at the joint between the structural components.

Abstract: A port ramp for access to a ship, having a first end supported by a quay and a second end rigidly supported by a float, the float being anchored by blocks to the bottom by a connection of selectively adjustable length, the maximum buoyancy of the float being at least equal to the weight of the ramp added to the maximum load thereon, so that, when the float is submerged, the height of the ramp above the surface is independent of the load on the ramp.

Abstract: A dock float construction for supporting dock planks, floating platforms, piers, dredge pipes and the like which is constructed of high strength plastic and buoyant foam material with or without a hollow center and having a sealing skin, each float module having a top edge recess or bench for vertical structural elements with transverse fastening rods anchored in the modules to join modules to functional units.

Abstract: A system for connecting a row of concrete marine floats to each other by fastening elongated wales along the upper side edges thereof. Post-tensioned tendons having fastening members mounted on their ends extend transversely through the float. The tendons are relatively thin so that their elongation responsive to tensioning is sufficient to maintain the force of the wales against the float as the wales shrink. However, the tendons, being relatively thin, do not have sufficient strength to withstand the shear forces generated between the float and wales. Consequently, rigid shear-reinforcing sleeves, preferably surrounding the tendons, project from the float into the wales. The tendons may be either rigid rods having threaded ends or flexible wire cables having an anchor mounted at each end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to process modules designed for interconnection during shipment as well as installation. The process modules may be of a single deck design adapted to be stacked and transported on specially designed ships, as in LASH vessels, or the process modules may be of a design that is connectable to a specially designed ship as a part of the ship's hull. Fabrication of the process modules is performed at a shipyard facility. The completely fabricated modules are transportable in an assembled manner to a remote plant site aboard a LASH barge vessel or other special vessel where the modules are again assemblied either as a floating or land-based process plant installation.

Abstract: A marine float having a concrete casing surrounding a core of buoyant foam. The casing includes conventional side walls, end walls and a bottom along with a specially constructed deck. The deck includes at least one longitudinally extending utility trench which is easily accessible by removing a cover which is releasably secured to the deck. Elongated wales extend along the upper edges of the side walls, and tie rods loosely surrounded by through-tubes extend from one side wall to the other beneath the utility trench. The ends of the tie rods project through the wales, and fastening members are secured thereto thereby securing the wales to the casing and compressively loading the deck. Utility conduits positioned in the utility trench are connected to utility outlets mounted along the side edges of the deck by either transverse utility trenches or transversely extending tubular conduit embedded in the deck.

Abstract: A slidably assembled dock is described having spaced facing side channels slidably receiving platform modules, the edges of said modules being within said channels, and the channels being tied together by elongated eye bolt elements which extend through the positioned platform modules. The platform modules have an upper layer notched at the edge to fit smoothly with the channel upper flanges, a lower layer resting on the channels, and connector stringers therebetween.

Abstract: A pair of marine floats are interconnected end-to-end by a pair of tubular conduits embedded in the floats along opposite sides thereof. The conduits extend from one float to the other and their ends are connected to respective junction boxes embedded in the floats. The conduits pass through respective resilient cushions positioned between the floats to allow the floats to pivot with respect to each other. The tension in the conduits increases as the floats pivot, and this increase in tension is compensated for by resiliently securing the conduits to the junction boxes so that the conduits can move axially with respect to the junction boxes. The junction boxes may be secured to reinforcing bars embedded in the floats, particularly where a conduit extends from only one side of the junction box. Conventional utility conductors are routed through the conduits which may be connected to utility outlets mounted on the junction boxes.

Abstract: A system for anchoring a large number of interconnected mooring floats in either deep or shallow bodies of water. The system includes a grid of post-tensioned cables positioned beneath the floats and a number of anchoring lines extending between the grid and attachment fixtures forming part of the floats. The anchoring lines are symmetrically secured to the floats so that a force exerted by a line in one direction is opposed by an equal force exerted by another line in the opposite direction. Further, the angles of the anchoring lines with respect to the horizontal are maintained relatively small to minimize the downward force on the float exerted by the tension in the lines. A plurality of spaced apart weights are secured to the anchoring lines to maintain the tension of the lines as the floats rise and fall responsive to tidal changes. The attachment fixtures are formed by tubes extending vertically through the floats adjacent their edges receiving a chain connected to an anchoring line.

Abstract: A pile hoop for slidably securing the end of a mainwalk or finger float to a marine pile. The pile hoop includes a cylindrical pipe forming a semicircular portion terminating in a pair of parallel legs. A rub shoe extending between the legs allows the semicircular portion and legs to completely surround the pile. The legs are inserted into respective tubes imbedded in the ends of the mainwalk or finger float. Tie rods extending transversely through the float pass through at least a portion of each tube and leg to secure the hoop to the float.

Abstract: A ship to shore bridge is movable between a stowed position in which it is received in a recess formed in a quay face and effectively forms a continuation of the quay face along the length of the recess, so that the quay can be used in normal manner, and an operative position in which the ship end of the bridge is moved out of the recess by slewing of the bridge about its shore end, so that the bridge can provide access from the quay to a bow or stern door of a ship berthed alongside the remainder of the quay.

Abstract: A cargo handling equipment comprises a stationary column installed offshore of a river or a creek, a stationary bridge bridging the shore of said river or creek and said stationary column and provided with a cargo transportation apparatus, a movable bridge swingably connected to the stationary column and provided with another cargo transportation apparatus, and a floating body detachably secured to the free end of the movable bridge and provided with legs which are vertically movable and can reach the bottom of the river or the creek.

Abstract: A lightweight concrete float having a concrete shell surrounding either a hollow or buoyant foam core. The shell includes a deck surrounded by integrally formed, downwardly projecting side walls of sturdy but relatively heavy standard aggregate concrete and a bottom surrounded by integrally formed, upwardly projecting uniform or tapered side walls of lightweight but relatively weak foam aggregate concrete. Reinforcing rods are embedded along the edges of the deck, and a reinforcing mesh extends around the reinforcing rods and through the deck, side walls and bottom. The float may be formed by first pouring a layer of foam aggregate concrete into a form having a rectangular bottom surrounded by four sides. A block of buoyant foam is then placed on the bottom layer of concrete with the sides of the block spaced apart from the sides of the form. The space between the sides of the form and the sides of the block is partially filled with foam aggregate concrete.

Abstract: Structure for berthing marine craft, yachts and the like, comprises longitudinal beams supporting transverse boards for walking on. A retaining strip of L-shaped cross section covers the end edges of the boards and is secured to the beams by nut and bolt assemblies that pass through the beams and retaining strips and serve as distance pieces between adjacent boards. A wooden wale is also bordered along its upper edge by the downwardly depending flange of the retaining strip. Central portions of the boards are pressed upwardly against the restraining influence of the retaining strips, to maintain the boards regular under all conditions, and also to strengthen the boards by prestressing them.

Abstract: A plurality of relatively narrow finger piers project perpendicularly from mainwalk floats at spaced-apart locations. The finger piers are secured to the floats in cantilever fashion using a variety of fastening structures. Since loads carried by the finger pier are not supported by the buoyancy of the pier, the width and thickness of the pier can be substantially less than comparable floating finger piers. In one embodiment the pier is principally formed by a triangular frame which is secured to the mainwalk floats by either a mounting bracket or rods extending transversely through the mainwalk floats and longitudinally through upper corner pipes of the triangular frame. A deck is then fastened across the upper pipes. The vertical angle of each pier may be adjusted by rotating an adjusting nut which abuts the lower pipe of the triangular frame. In a second embodiment pairs of parallel beams are secured to the mainwalk floats by a bracket, and a deck is mounted on the upper surface of the beams.

Abstract: A float movable along a ramp for launching trailerable boats so that the float remains adjacent the water line of the ramp responsive to changes in water level. The float is moved by a line extending from the deep water end of the float, downwardly to a stationary underwater sheave, upwardly to a shore mounted powered drive mechanism and downwardly to the shallow water end of the float. The drive mechanism is controlled by a water level sensor to move the float along the ramp as the water level changes so that the float remains in the water near the water line of the ramp as the water level fluctuates. The water level sensor includes an ultrasonic level detector mounted in a vertical tube communicating with the water through an equalizing tube. The float moves along a guide mechanism running alongside one end of the ramp to prevent transverse movement of the float.

Abstract: In the pier mooring for a boat a rectangular inner section is provided which serves as the land connection. A first short side and an outer part of the pier mooring is affixed to a second outer short side of the inner part of the structure. The outer part is formed as a parallel trapezium with the non-parallel side forming an angle of between 70 to 120 degrees. The non-parallel sides are provided with extensions which have outer ends which employ locking structure to affix the boat to be moored therebetween by means of lines running from the outer ends to either end of the boat.

Abstract: A semi-rigid floating marina adapted for use in both ocean and inland waterways including a submerged structural frame interconnected to a floating surface structure by a plurality of rigid and flexible members. The marina is readily portable in nature to accommodate the changing water level and varying boundaries of inland waterways. A variable buoyancy anchor and an in-situ method of forming the same is provided which allows the anchor to be selectively submerged or buoyed from the bottom of the waterway.

Abstract: A concrete float having a buoyant foam core surrounded by a concrete shell. The deck of the shell has integrally formed therewith a plurality of transverse ribs and longitudinal ribs which strengthen the deck. Consequently, the necessary strength for the deck can be achieved by utilizing a substantially reduced quantity of concrete. A tubular conduit extends beneath at least some of the transverse ribs. The conduits are provided in order to receive tie rods having their ends projecting from the sides of the float and through elongated wales which serve to secure the floats to each other. The concrete is preferably reinforced with conventional concrete reinforcing bars. The float is formed by placing a rectangular block of foam in a rectangular form after a layer of concrete has been poured in the form with the foam core being positioned apart from the sides of the form.

Abstract: A marine float having a concrete casing surrounding a core of buoyant foam. The casing includes conventional side walls, end walls and a bottom along a specially constructed deck. The deck includes at least one longitudinally extending utility trench which is easily accessible by removing a cover which is releasably secured to the deck. Elongated wales extend along the upper edges of the side walls, and tie rods loosely surrounded by through-tubes extend from one side wall to the other beneath the utility trench. The ends of the tie rods project through the wales, and fastening members are secured thereto thereby securing the wales to the casing and compressively loading the deck. Utility conduits positioned in the utility trench are connected to utility outlets mounted along the side edges of the deck by either transverse utility trenches or transversely extending tubular conduit embedded in the deck.