Openwork Patents (Class 405/27)
  • Patent number: 11131072
    Abstract: A breakwater (10A), including a floating plate (22), including: a floating plate (22), width (54) thereof being at least one wavelength (12) and being non-bendable; and anchors (26), for anchoring the floating plate (22), thereby not allowing the water waves (30A) propagating along the width (54) of the plate (22) to bend the width (54) of the plate (22), thereby not allowing the water waves (30A) to bend themselves along the at least one wavelength (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Inventor: Eyal Attias
  • Patent number: 11085157
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a floatable flow-resisting and sand-resisting multi-functional device. The device includes a hollow floatable body, a flow-resisting and sand-resisting plate, a flow-resisting and sand-resisting net and a mooring system, wherein a plurality of flow-resisting and sand-resisting plates are arranged, each of the flow-resisting and sand-resisting plates is arranged perpendicular to a seabed, a top end of the flow-resisting and sand-resisting plate is fixed to the bottom of the hollow floatable body, the flow-resisting and sand-resisting net down to the seabed is mounted between every two of the flow-resisting and sand-resisting plates, one end of the mooring system is connected to the hollow floatable body, and the other end of the mooring system is fixed to the seabed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: JIANGSU UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Chunyan Ji, Jianting Guo, Yong Cheng, Fali Huo
  • Patent number: 10981630
    Abstract: A floating mooring structure including a framework formed by a plurality of equidistant parallel tubes, a second plurality of tubes extending through the first plurality tubes and a third plurality of tubes extending through the first plurality spaced from and below the second plurality of tubes. The structure also includes peripheral berthing beams and additional flotation tanks with shock-absorbing fenders and with vent tubes that help stabilize the structure and serve as mooring posts for vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Andrés Quinta Cortiñas
  • Patent number: 10745876
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a quickly-detachable airbag-type floating breakwater, including a plurality of water wave absorbing structure units arranged along a length direction of the breakwater. The adjacent water wave absorbing structure units are connected by a connecting unit. The water wave absorbing structure unit comprises at least two floats arranged side by side and a wave absorbing plate located between the floats. The water wave absorbing structure unit comprises at least two floats arranged side by side and a wave absorbing plate located on the floats. The connecting unit comprises bases located at the ends of the floats, an airbag located between the adjacent bases, and a steel chain, the adjacent bases wrapping the airbag to form a buffer connecting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: JIANGSU UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Chunyan Ji, Jie Cui, Zichao Li, Jianting Guo, Fali Huo, Taoran Zhou, Hui Liu
  • Patent number: 10689071
    Abstract: A floating structure is described. The floating structure includes a floating platform disposed at a water surface, a mooring system and a damping system. The mooring system is configured for mooring one side of the floating platform to a sea floor, thereby to permit rotation of the floating structure and to provide a desired orientation down-wind with respect to an anchor point. The damping system is arranged at one side of the floating platform and is configured for absorbing wave energy and stresses imparted by the motion of waves in order to stabilize a horizontal position of the floating structure down-wind during a storm against the waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: ELTA SYSTEMS LTD.
    Inventors: Feri Tayouri, Gregory Geyshis
  • Patent number: 10640939
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and device (1000) for controlling hydroelastic surface waves and to the use thereof. In particular, the invention relates to a system for controlling hydroelastic waves propagating over the surface of a liquid (1), the controlling system comprising a floating composite structure (10) having at least two zones Z1 and Z2 the respective bending coefficients D1 and D2 and/or the shapes of which are adapted to control the propagation of the hydroelastic waves, and for which it is possible to define an index ni, i being equal to 1 or 2, similar to the refractive index of an optical medium. The controlling system thus allows the propagation of the hydroelastic waves to be able to be controlled by applying the laws of geometric optics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignees: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Sorbonne Université
    Inventors: Antonin Eddi, Lucie Domino, Marc Fermigier
  • Patent number: 10215540
    Abstract: An open water marine barrier system is provided. Embodiments include a marine barrier with two elongate buoyant members, an elongate net support member between the two buoyant members and above the buoyant members, and an elongate lower ballast member between the two buoyant members and below the buoyant members. Stanchions extend between the members to support them and maintain the spacing between them. An impact net is attached to the net support member and a stanchion extending between the two buoyant members. When a moving vessel impacts the impact net, the net deflects to transfer a force of the impact to the net support member, the stanchions, and the buoyant members, which engage the water to transfer the impact force to the water and arrest the motion of the vessel. The ballast member provides a force to restore the barrier to an upright position when the barrier rotates from vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: HALO MARITIME DEFENSE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Osienski, Judson DeCew, Tom Sherwin, Eric H. Rines
  • Patent number: 9963847
    Abstract: A breakwater (wave attenuation system) includes two horizontal tubes as buoyant members connected to one another, their cross-sections representing vertices of a triangle, whose legs are interconnecting struts. A perforated, submerged, ballast tube forms the third vertex. Wave motion is perpendicular to the length of the float tubes tethered to an anchor at the sea floor. A lead float tube rises in response to an approaching wave, often cutting off the wave crest, while a trailing float tube rises less and later as the wave passes. Asynchronous rising and falling of the leading and trailing, floating, top tubes rocks the breakwater, redirecting and dissipating wave momentum, energy, and water volume by rotating the assembly, thrashing the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Inventor: Christopher Fred Betcher
  • Patent number: 9765497
    Abstract: A device for reducing underwater sound has a holding device and a hydrosound damper with noise reducing elements. The device has a transport housing for transporting the hydrosound damper, a first end of the underwater sound damper being fixed to the transport housing and the transport housing being connected to a holding device via a support device has a cable winch with a support cable arranged on the transport housing and has a motor-driven drum, wherein using the support device, the transport housing is lowered from the holding device to the sea floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Elmer
  • Patent number: 9556573
    Abstract: A breakwater (wave attenuation system) includes two horizontal tubes as buoyant members connected to one another, their cross-sections representing vertices of a triangle, whose legs are interconnecting struts. A perforated, submerged, ballast tube forms the third vertex. Wave motion is perpendicular to the length of the float tubes tethered to an anchor at the sea floor. A lead float tube rises in response to an approaching wave, often cutting off the wave crest, while a trailing float tube rises less and later as the wave passes. Asynchronous rising and falling of the leading and trailing, floating, top tubes rocks the breakwater, redirecting and dissipating wave momentum, energy, and water volume by rotating the assembly, thrashing the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventor: Christopher Fred Betcher
  • Patent number: 8851793
    Abstract: A water wave breaker assembly comprising a buoyant wave breaker element including a plurality of longitudinally extending members spaced-apart from one another and defining an open cage structure; and an anchor assembly connectable to the buoyant wave breaker element and which can allow rotation of the buoyant wave breaker element when floating on a body of water. The buoyant wave breaker element can include a plurality of transversal arms extending through the open cage structure and outwardly past the longitudinally extending members. The water wave breaker assembly can be provided as a kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: 9223-0523 Quebec Inc.
    Inventor: Annie Cyr
  • Patent number: 8807869
    Abstract: There is disclosed a floating barrier for installation in deep oceans for dampening winds, waves, and currents, and for containing oil spills. Applications of this invention include tsunami wave alleviation, storm protection, and oil spill containment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Li Lee
  • Patent number: 8678709
    Abstract: According to the invention, a security net can be erected in or on water or on the ground and is provided with a net or net-like structure (1) manufactured substantially from wire material, rope material, strand material or plastics material (2). The net (1) is bent together and forms longitudinal flanks (3, 4) and at least one arched region (5). The overlapping longitudinal flanks (3, 4) can be connected together and several stabilizers (8) are associated with the net (1). In cross-section, the net (1) is constructed similarly to a teardrop, with the arched region (5) lying on or at least partially in the water. In this way, a largely double-walled security system is obtained, which is able to intercept impacting objects reliably and moreover gently, because the net and the three-dimensional protective net structure is deformable due to the relative flexibility thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Geobrugg AG
    Inventors: Peter Utz, Stephan Wartmann
  • Patent number: 8647014
    Abstract: A buoy for use in reducing the amplitude of waves in water and a system making use of plural buoys to create a floating breakwater. Each buoy is arranged to be constrained, e.g., connected to an anchor, and comprising a body e.g., a cylindrical member having at least one outwardly projecting fin, that is configured to be resonant and impedance matched. The buoy and anchoring approach allows for self-tuning to the changes in the wave spectrum due to the tidal or storm surge induced changes in the water depth. The body of the floating buoy is not limited to circular cylinder, and could be square, hexagonal, triangular, etc. but must have at least one exterior mounted fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Murtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. McCormick, Robert Murtha
  • Publication number: 20130236248
    Abstract: A water wave breaker assembly comprising a buoyant wave breaker element including a plurality of longitudinally extending members spaced-apart from one another and defining an open cage structure; and an anchor assembly connectable to the buoyant wave breaker element and which can allow rotation of the buoyant wave breaker element when floating on a body of water. The buoyant wave breaker element can include a plurality of transversal arms extending through the open cage structure and outwardly past the longitudinally extending members. The water wave breaker assembly can be provided as a kit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: ROBIC
    Inventor: Annie Cyr
  • Patent number: 8256988
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for disrupting a hurricane are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plurality of interconnected slabs. The slabs are connected using a series of cables. Cushions placed between the slabs prevent damage to the slabs during use. In practice, the interconnected slabs are towed to a position in the anticipated path of a hurricane. Once the interconnected slabs are positioned at a pre-determined location within the hurricane, they are maneuvered with the hurricane such their position remains generally fixed relative to the hurricane. The slabs form a partial barrier between the ocean and atmosphere thereby interfering with the critical mechanics, namely the rise of warm, moist air, of hurricane formation. The interconnected slabs are maneuvered with the hurricane for extended time periods such that they constantly disrupt the mechanics of hurricane formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: Jose Cherem Haber
  • Publication number: 20120141205
    Abstract: A mobile marine barrier system comprises a raisable barrier member held between two supporting pump rigs and is adapted to be movable within a body of water. Each pump rig is operated by an onboard crew to enable an efficient, reliable and safe barrier that provides protection towards fragile coastlines. Several barriers can be connected together, with pump rigs being positioned between each barrier, so as to extend the length of coastline to be protected. Each barrier may be adapted to suit different requirements, according to the localised threat. Each pump rig comprises a shaped protective hood, to protect against impacts. To aid the barrier system to remain in position, wind towers are provided to channel air downwards towards a directional propulsion system which enables mobility. Flexible legs and feet are provided in the base of each pump rig to also assist in securing them to the seabed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: INTELLIGENT ORGANICS LIMITED
    Inventor: Robert William Lindsay Gordon
  • Publication number: 20110299927
    Abstract: A buoy for use in reducing the amplitude of waves in water and a system making use of plural buoys to create a floating breakwater. Each buoy is arranged to be constrained, e.g., connected to an anchor, and comprising a body e.g., a cylindrical member having at least one outwardly projecting fin, that is configured to be resonant and impedance matched. The buoy and anchoring approach allows for self-tuning to the chances in the wave spectrum due to the tidal or storm surge induced changes in the water depth. The body of the floating buoy is not limited to circular cylinder, and could be square, hexagonal, triangular, etc but must have at least one exterior mounted fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: MURTECH, INC.
    Inventors: Michael E. McCormick, Robert Murtha
  • Patent number: 7918623
    Abstract: A mat system includes a surface and at least first and second mat units. Each mat unit includes a respective plurality of blocks interlinked by respective cables that pass through the blocks. Each mat unit includes cable loops along at least one side section thereof. The first and second mat units are positioned on the surface in proximity to each other with cable loops of the first mat unit extending toward the second mat unit and cable loops of the second mat unit extending toward the first mat unit. A plurality of interconnecting blocks are positioned between the first mat unit and the second mat unit. Each interconnecting block includes an underside with downwardly open channels formed therein. The cable loops of the first and second mat units are positioned within the channels of the interconnecting blocks to cover the cable loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Contech Earth Stabilization Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Lacroix, Joseph V. Salerno
  • Publication number: 20100196098
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Allen J. Danskine, David H. Rytand, Daniel J. Jankelson, Justin W. Rawls
  • Publication number: 20100178109
    Abstract: The wave break has an elongated shape and three wave-breaking surfaces mounted thereon and forming an elongated triangular configuration. The wave break has a lazy side on its forward edge, such that the force of the wave tilts it about the forward edge to increase a projection of its wave-breaking surfaces against the incoming wave. Because of the lazy forward side of the wave break, the leading stringer dive into each wave without deviating substantially from a horizontal plane. The trailing side of the wave break is subject to the lifting forces of each wave and therefore, the trailing side tilts upward and downward in use. The trailing side tilts upward and downward about the leading stringer to rotate the wave-breaking barriers into a more or less perpendicular alignment relative to the wave movement, for breaking the wave more effectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Dave David Matthew Wilson
  • Patent number: 7686539
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a water movement device comprising a flexible wall (1) placed in water close to the surface, substantially vertically in a static rest state, made up of optionally perforated (5) massive unit blocks (4) assembled to one another in strings by cables (2, 3) on which said blocks (1) are threaded or on which said blocks are crimped, said cables comprising: a series of cables (2) disposed vertically (ZZ?) side by side, parallel to one another, and a second series of cables (3) disposed horizontally (XX?) one above another and in parallel, and said vertical cables (2) being suspended or tensioned at their top ends and/or respectively tensioned or moored at their bottom ends, and said blocks including empty orifices (5) passing through them between the front and rear faces (1-1, 1-2) of said wall (1), and/or empty spaces (7) between said blocks, such that said orifices (5) and/or empty spaces between said blocks (7), if any, confer overall porosity on said wall lying in the range 5%
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Saipem S.A.
    Inventors: Pierre Aristaghes, Raphaelle Pouezevara
  • Publication number: 20090238645
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a water movement device comprising a flexible wall (1) placed in water close to the surface, substantially vertically in a static rest state, made up of optionally perforated (5) massive unit blocks (4) assembled to one another in strings by cables (2, 3) on which said blocks (1) are threaded or on which said blocks are crimped, said cables comprising: a series of cables (2) disposed vertically (ZZ?) side by side, parallel to one another, and a second series of cables (3) disposed horizontally (XX?) one above another and in parallel, and said vertical cables (2) being suspended or tensioned at their top ends and/or respectively tensioned or moored at their bottom ends, and said blocks including empty orifices (5) passing through them between the front and rear faces (1-1, 1-2) of said wall (1), and/or empty spaces (7) between said blocks, such that said orifices (5) and/or empty spaces between said blocks (7), if any, confer overall porosity on said wall lying in the range 5%
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Pierre Aristaghes, Raphaelle Pouezevara
  • Patent number: 7585129
    Abstract: Swell attenuating device comprising a horizontal plate slightly immersed in the incident sea swell, this plate being held in position under the free surface of the water and presenting perpendicular upstream (12) and downstream (14) edges raised to a positive dimension above the free surface of the water, so that the incident sea swell cannot propagate freely over the plate, each of the upstream and downstream edges being extended at their base by a tab-shaped element (12A, 14A) of the same specific length, the assembly thus forming a symmetrically profiled structure in the form of a so-called “camel's back”, device wherein one at least of the two elements formed by the perpendicular upstream edge and the plate part, or raft (10A), laid between the upstream and downstream edges comprises orifices (20) over part of its surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Gouvernement Monegasque Represente Par Le Ministre D'Etat
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Manzone, David Lajoie
  • Patent number: 7575396
    Abstract: A wave attenuation system having a floating member, at least one anchor member, and a plurality of interconnected wave attenuation members. The floating member has a generally flat top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface is configured to be disposed above a waterline and the bottom surface is configured to be disposed below the waterline. The anchor member is disposed below the water line and is interconnected with the floating member through at least one elastic member. The wave attenuation members are connected to the floating member and disposed below the bottom surface of the floating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Team Reil, Inc.
    Inventor: John W Cederlund
  • Patent number: 7524140
    Abstract: An externally-adjustable module for a wave attenuation system formed by connecting a plurality of panels in a structure positioned in a body of water, causes the dissipation of wave energy. Different configurations of panel, having different flow characteristics, used in the structure, and different types of connector used to connect panels, create different patterns of water flow within the structure, and contribute to wave energy dissipation. Units deployed in harbors, rivers, marinas and the like, help to prevent beach erosion and can facilitate beach nourishment. Embodiments can be utilized as a security barrier, preventing intrusion by trespassers, divers or various sized boats. A variety of sensors can be mounted to the structures, enabling detection of movement, chemical and biological agents, explosives or radiation. A submersible gate, comprising panels and a buoyancy control mechanism, allows for passage of boats and can be controlled remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Elemental Innovation, Inc.
    Inventor: Justin Bishop
  • Patent number: 7524139
    Abstract: A connector for a wave attenuation system formed by connecting a plurality of panels in a structure positioned in a body of water; the system causes the dissipation of wave energy. Different configurations of panel, having different flow characteristics, used in the structure, and different types of connector used to connect panels, create different patterns of water flow within the structure, and contribute to wave energy dissipation. Units deployed in harbors, rivers, marinas and the like, help to prevent beach erosion and can facilitate beach nourishment. Embodiments can be utilized as a security barrier, preventing intrusion by trespassers, divers or various sized boats. A variety of sensors can be mounted to the structures, enabling detection of movement, chemical and biological agents, explosives or radiation. A submersible gate, comprising panels and a buoyancy control mechanism, allows for passage of boats and can be controlled remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Elemental Innovation, Inc.
    Inventor: Justin Bishop
  • Patent number: 6978735
    Abstract: An artificial fish habitat (10) comprises an open framework (12) including a plurality of layers (14). The layers (14) each include an open portion (20) and are generally aligned so that the open portions (20) cooperate to define a passageway (26) through the framework (12) for fish to reside therein. Each layer (14) includes a periphery section (18) which is formed from a material presenting a minimum cross section sized and configured to be greater than the gap spacing of a conventional fish hook such that the hook may not snag on the framework (12). A method of utilizing the partially submerged habitat (10) comprises descending a hook through the passageway (26) to contact a layer (14) and withdrawing the hook without snagging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: Ricardo Donavan Yeager
  • Publication number: 20040120768
    Abstract: A breakwater assembly comprises an upper slab (15) supported on columns (14, 21) that extend upwardly from a lower slab (13). A solid back wall (17) depends from one edge of the upper slab (15) while a front wall (16) with holes (18) therein depends from the other edge to exchange sea water freely between inner sea and outer sea.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Won-Hoi Yang
  • Patent number: 6497532
    Abstract: The present invention is a general structural member assembly. A basic structural unit of the present invention has two adjacent shafts, both further having a cross sectionally triangular shape with a longitudinal side completely or substantially mostly removed to form legs. The leg ends are formed or machined such that they present two outward surfaces generally parallel to the open face of a first adjacent shaft. The outward surfaces of the leg ends are then positionally fixed, albeit with some flexible movement in some embodiments, to generally have a parallel and longitudinal interface with the longitudinal outside edges of a solid side of a second shaft. A stacked assembly may be formed from the structural members capable of sediment retention or accumulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventor: John McGinn
  • Patent number: 6305877
    Abstract: A barrier dissipates energy from wakes from high speed vessels. Pilings embedded in the seabed slidably extend through openings in a flotation section below the surface of the water and through apertures in a gate section above the surface of the water. Struts on the flotation section extend through the surface of the water to hold the gate section a predetermined height above the surface. An inclined ramp extends from the flotation section below the surface and progressively reduces the depth of the water above the ramp portion as the distance to the flotation section becomes less. The progressively reduced depth builds-up the incoming wake, and the gate section cuts off the crest of the built-up wake to dissipate energy. Systems of barriers may be located in various patterns of spaced apart arrangements along waterways to intercept and reduce the effects of wakes produced by numerous high speed vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Richard A. Cavanagh
  • Patent number: 6089175
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a large floating structure used for a marine airport and the like and, more particularly, to a large floating structure in which the large floating structure itself has a wave absorbing function, whereby the need for a breakwater etc. is eliminated, and the installation of a separate wave absorbing structure at the outer periphery of the large floating structure is not needed, whereby an upper deck can be utilized effectively. For this purpose, under an extending portion on the up-wave side of the upper deck of large floating structure, for example, many box-shaped floating bodies arranged in a zigzag form and lattice-shaped connecting members are provided as a wave absorbing structure depending from the extending portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoji Toki, Makoto Ohta, Masahiko Ozaki, Junichi Minamiura
  • Patent number: 5827011
    Abstract: A wave suppression member for suppressing waves along a water surface includes a hollow cylinder having a top defining an opening and a sidewall extending from the top. The sidewall includes a plurality of perforations extending through the sidewall. A flotation member is coupled to the top of the barrel for buoyantly supporting the top of the barrel at the water surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Dirk C. Kann
  • Patent number: 5556229
    Abstract: A dynamic shoreline erosion control system includes a plurality of large rotatable hollow spheres spaced along a line at a distance from the shoreline. The spheres are held together by a heavy duty strong flexible netting which permits movement of the spheres with the incoming and outgoing waves. Openings in the spheres permit the sea water to pass through. A plurality of smaller air-filled balls are disposed within the spheres to likewise rotate under the influence of water flow and provide buoyancy. A group of spheres within a common netting is tied to a pair of pilings at the ends of the netting to limit the extent of movement. Narrower sections of the netting between spheres provide a link and spacing for adjacent elements. Like groups of spheres in nettings can be disposed in parallel pairs with staggered spacing and an array of spaced groups in various geometric arrangements can extend along a large shore area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventors: Robert J. Bishop, Justin D. Bishop
  • Patent number: 5294211
    Abstract: A floating wave absorber is composed of a main wave-absorber body formed by a construction body floating on the surface of water, wires of which each one end is connected to an end portion of the main wave-absorber body, a first traction member of which one end is connected to the other bound end portion of each wire and the other end is fixed to an anchor, and a second traction member of which one end is connected to the bottom of the main wave-absorber body and fixed to another anchor. The main wave-absorber body is floated on the water according to a so-called "kite flying" principle and absorbs waves. Thus, the wave absorber is more advantageous in economic performance and free from washing-away by abnormally high waves in a typhoon, etc., and can be installed quickly and absorb waves effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Inventor: Masateru Niimura
  • Patent number: 5074707
    Abstract: There is provided a wave attenuation device for abating waves and therefore erosion of a shorefront or marina of a body of water. The device includes a plurality of spaced apart, elongated plates for receiving waves therethrough. The plates are retained together by a plurality of vertical supports. The device may include a structure to anchor the device in place in a body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Inventor: Richard M. Greene
  • Patent number: 4900188
    Abstract: A device for effecting local reduction of sea wave amplitude includes a grid plate adapted to be supported in the sea at a predetermined depth ensuring that the grid plate remains submerged below the trough of the highest wave expected to be encountered in use of the wave reduction device. The grid plate member includes a plurality of interconnected elongate supporting members hingedly supporting flapper valve plates which are operable between substantially opened and closed positions, each flapper walve in its opened position permitting sea water to flow substantially unimpeded through the flapper valve and in its closed position substantially blocking the flow of sea water through the flapper valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Inventors: Thomas Haselton, Frederick R. Haselton
  • Patent number: 4877349
    Abstract: There is provided a wave attenuation device for abating waves and the erosion of a shorefront of a body of water. The device includes a plurality of rows of hollow tubes for receiving waves therethrough. Each tube in a row is in a side-by-side relation to its adjacent tubes and has its centerline positioned basically perpendicular to the shorefront. The device also includes a plurality of first and second horizontal supports, a plurality of vertical supports, and bracket and bolts for connecting one of the plurality of vertical supports to one of the first and one of the second horizontal supports to retain the plurality of rows of tubes in position with respect to each other. The device may include a structure to anchor the device in place in a body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: Erosion Protection Devices, Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard M. Greene
  • Patent number: 4836709
    Abstract: There is described a water wave absorber, particularly suitable for use in testing tanks, to reduce the reflection of generated waves. The absorber comprises a series of sheets of unflattened expanded material, usually metal, positioned one behind the other and the sheets being arranged in generally decreasing porosity from the front of the wave absorber to the rear thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Canadian Patents and Development Limited
    Inventors: Jozinus Ploeg, Wayne W. Jamieson
  • Patent number: 4824286
    Abstract: Apparatus for dissipating surface waves to protect floating or fixed structures comprises a floatable carpet formed of floating motor vehicle tires which are horizontally disposed and arranged in rows. Flexible spacers interconnect the tires in such a manner that the floating carpet provides a structure that is stiff in the horizontal direction and flexible in the vertical direction. The individual tires assume zig-zag inclinations to the portions for interconnecting the tires in the upper and lower areas thereof, and inflatable supporting hoses extending between adjacent tires in the areas between the upper and lower spacers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Inventor: Keinrich Waas
  • Patent number: 4776724
    Abstract: A floating wave dissipation structure comprising tandem connected floating bodies separated by one or more rigid rods having a pivotally securing mechanism at the connection near the bottom of the body side wherein the structure is floated on the sea so that the tandem connected floating bodies are arranged along the direction of the waves. The length of the body in the direction of travel of the waves is selected so that the wavelength divided by the body length is between 2 and 10 with 2 to 7 providing transmission rates of 50% and below. Advantageously, the structure effectively dissipates waves of short, imtermediate and long wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: Nippon Kokan Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Soichiro Isozaki
  • Patent number: 4468151
    Abstract: An assembly for damping sea waves that constitutes a floating breakwater for protecting a sea wall. A plurality of vertical pilings extend into the sea bed and are spaced apart from each other and extend parallel to the sea wall. Automobile tires are positioned about the pilings and are supported by a platform made of struts on opposite sides of the pilings that extend parallel to the sea wall, with transverse stringers maintaining the struts in parallel and spaced relationship and also free to move vertically with respect to the pilings. The combined buoyancy of the tires and platform is such that the top surfaces of the tires are positioned substantially at the surface of the sea. A support beam structure is attached to the pilings generally along the tops thereof and interconnects the pilings, together with rigid tieback members that connect the pilings to the sea wall, all to aid in maintaining the pilings in vertical and spaced-apart relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1984
    Inventor: R. Patterson Warlick
  • Patent number: 4367977
    Abstract: A series of modules for initiating the creation of a sandbar to halt the erosion of a beach along a body of water. Each module has a heavy concrete base, formed in a ring with a central vertical aperture, which is placed beneath the water near the shore. A series of boards which extend parallel to the shore line are maintained one above the other by a pair of attached flexible belts each of which is also attached to the base at either end. The boards, bound by the belts, form a web which is permitted to drop downwardly during water flow toward the shore line. During water flow from the shore line, the web of spaced boards rises upwardly to form a pocket which is held in a slightly curved position by the belts. The apertured board arrangement retards the water flow sufficiently to cause the deposit of sand onto and adjacent to the base of the module. When arrayed in a row, generally paralleling the shore line, the modules serve in time to create a sandbar and eventually become fully buried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1983
    Inventors: Cecil F. Schaaf, Craig R. Schaaf
  • Patent number: 4234266
    Abstract: A floating breakwater has two closed buoyant cylindrical members spaced laterally from each other and joined together in their spaced positions by longitudinally spaced flexible and inextensible strips such as rubberized fabric. Closed elongated tubular members are mounted on the cylindrical members where they will be above water. The breakwater is anchored to the bottom of the waterway by chains or the like and conventional anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1980
    Assignee: Industrie Pirelli, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Attilio Angioletti
  • Patent number: 4225268
    Abstract: A breakwater pier apparatus is disclosed in the preferred and illustrated embodiments. The two embodiments utilize a framework floated in the water by buoyant tanks therein, the apparatus including a rearwardly sloping wave energy absorbing wall adapted to float partly underwater and partly above the surface of the water and facing the direction of the wave action, this wave energy absorbing wall being slotted to intercept part of the wave action to create a force tending to hold the breakwater in vertical position. The framework includes an upright wall which also floats partly out of the water. Appended to the wall is a set of floating stub piers for individual boat anchorages. The apparatus is tethered or guided on an upstanding piling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1980
    Inventor: Johannes J. Treu
  • Patent number: 4174185
    Abstract: A floating-type anti-oil, anti-impact and anti-wave barrier includes means for intercepting a flow of oil floating on the water and diverting the oil in directions at right angles to the original direction of flow, means for mitigating an impact force exerted by a ship or the like, and means for intercepting waves. The barrier comprises a first float formed by serially arranging at regular intervals a plurality of elongated floating boxes in their longitudinal direction, a second float formed exactly in the same manner as the first float and disposed parallel to the first float with opposed side surfaces of the floating boxes forming the first and second floats being located at staggered positions relative to each other. Floatable spacers having shock-absorbing and intercepting functions are interposed between such opposed side surfaces of the floating boxes in the first and second floats chains or ropes moor the respective floating boxes to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1979
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoji Toki
  • Patent number: 4150909
    Abstract: A floating breakwater made up of an array of interlocking annular buoyant members of noncorrosive material and including a method of splicing scrap vehicle tires using only tire material or other nondeteriorating material to construct said array of interlocking tires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1979
    Inventors: George E. Hibarger, George G. Hibarger, David W. Daniel
  • Patent number: 4142816
    Abstract: An interconnecting device for use with a plurality of spaced floating breakwater columns comprising a plurality of spaced spherical elements wherein each element is encompassed by a pair of flanged hemispherical plate members. A hollow rubber spherical member is secured to the interior surface of the hemispherical plate members and abuttingly engages the spherical element. A pair of plate members interconnect the flanged hemispherical plate members to provide an integral assembly unit with the rubber element providing resiliency. Each spherical element has an outwardly projecting hub that is flanged to permit its attachment to the breakwater columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1979
    Assignee: The B. F. Goodrich Company
    Inventor: James H. Kramer
  • Patent number: 4136994
    Abstract: In a floatable breakwater, one or more flexible membranes are suspended below a floatable, open grid. An outer membrane is formed into a trough. Inner membrane components serve to define multiple ports and reduce the energy of the wave as water is moved and churned through the various ports. The inner membrane components may have a truncated tetrahedral configuration. A turbine may be positioned at one end of the breakwater to utilize the wave energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1979
    Inventor: Richard B. Fuller
  • Patent number: 4130994
    Abstract: This invention relates to means to produce an artificial reef or floating breakwater wherein a series of buoyant disks are strung on a buoyant flexible line in spaced relation to each other with the lower end of the line being tethered to its own anchor. These tethered disks are placed preferably in about 6 to 18 feet water depth from the shoreline. A series of these disk-anchors are strung along in or out of lines paralleling the shoreline and in various depths of water to provide effective grid means for eliminating or at least substantially reducing the erosion effect along shorelines resulting from wave action.The placement of the disk-rope anchor units is preferably in the water paralleling the shoreline and each unit is spaced apart from the other. However, the spacing is not critical but to accomplish the results sought to be achieved, the spacing ought to be close enough to be effective and yet not tangle with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1978
    Inventor: John H. Van Moss, Jr.