Abstract: A structure for attracting fish in lakes and ponds is presented that includes a central mast with one or more angled shafts for the fish to rest upon and congregate near.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides an engineered roughness element. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an array of engineered roughness elements. The engineered roughness elements are configured to reduce sand movement and accompanying dust generation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to submergible modular breakwaters for lowering the kinetic energy of water waves. In particular, the present invention is directed toward a physical embodiment that, when in its floating position, will provide resistance to the movement of water waves in the direction of the waves for a large range of wave periods. The invention is a submergible modular breakwater that can be kept underwater on the sea or lake floor as not to provide any barrier to navigation until it is needed to lower the kinetic energy of waves, when it is quickly raised afloat to provide protection, especially for coastal erosion control during storms or rough waters. Once the lowering of the kinetic energy of water waves is not longer needed, the modular breakwater can be quickly sunk to the sea or lake floor in order to remove any barrier to navigation.

Abstract: A system and method for an engineered joint according to one example embodiment includes a hinge pin and loops that extend from membranes around the hinge pin. Multiple embodiments include loops that extend from an upper module membrane and cross to attach to a second upper module membrane and loops that extend from a first lower module membrane and cross to attach to a second lower module membrane.

Abstract: A constrained buoy experiencing vortex-induced, in-line and transverse angular motions and designed to absorb and attenuate the energies of streams, rivers and localized ocean currents is described. Referred to as a Finned-Spar-Buoy (FSB), the buoy design can be considered an exoskeleton, in that vertical fins are externally mounted on a vertical cylindrical float. The fins increase the drag coefficient by enhancing the wake losses. The FSB operates as a single unit or as a component of an array, depending on the application. The FSB can adjust to high-water events caused by tides, storm surges or spring-melting runoffs because the FSB can move axially along a center-staff which is attached to an anchor pole at a pivot point. The buoy-staff system is allowed to rotate in any angular direction from the vertical, still-water orientation of the center-staff. The FSB has a relatively small diameter-to-draft ratio, analytically qualifying the buoy as a slender-body.

Abstract: The invention is for a mooring device (11) for a flap-gate breakwater (1) having a water blocking door body (2) that pivots about a horizontal axis. The mooring device (11) comprises a mooring hook (15) that controllably engages and disengages a gate mooring member (2b) of the door body (2) during mooring and raising operations. The mooring hook (15) is operated by a control device (21), making it possible to adjust the mooring hook position in a short period of time.

Abstract: A biomechanical structure for coastline remediation includes one or more structural assemblies. The structural assemblies include a distribution of one or more members; one or more anchors connected to each of one or more members; and one or more connection members. The anchors employed by the biomechanical structure may be fixed, floating, or a combination of fixed and floating anchors. The structural assemblies may be staggered, inline, or semi-random in configuration. The biomechanical structure may include metals, composites, polymers, biodegradable materials, or combinations thereof in its components. The biomechanical structures may incorporate one or more components for mechanical or material power generation. The biomechanical structures may include one or more seed capture devices, such as baskets or mesh. A biomechanical system for coastline remediation includes one or more biomechanical structures.

Abstract: A system and method for prevention of erosion utilizing a sub-tidal platform designed to be lodged at a beachhead. The sub-tidal platform will be placed under water and will contain at least one or a plurality of main trusses exhibiting a curvilinear convex shape and containing a plurality of gates and at least one or a plurality of intermittent trusses exhibiting a curvilinear convex shape and containing a plurality of gates which, when in their closed position, decelerate material entrained with liquid and allow for deposit of said material in the spaces formed by the trusses.

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%

Abstract: A floating breakwater system comprises a plurality of modules that are flexibly affixed together. The modules are affixed together to make up a plurality of vertical panels made up of the modules and the vertical panels themselves are flexibly affixed together in generally parallel relationship. Each individual module has a front face that faces the oncoming wave. There are at least two inlets in the front surface and corresponding outlets in the rear surface and passageways between the inlets and the outlets such that the water propelled by the wave passes through the at least two passageways. Each passageway is tapered inwardly in the direction of the flow of the water and each passageway has a main longitudinal axis. The respective axes are angled inwardly toward each other and converge at a point displaced rearwardly from the outlets so that the water that passes through the passageways intersect at the point and the energy of the wave is dissipated.

Abstract: A ribbed module is provided having a ribbed exterior surface defining a plurality of grooves and channels along the surface for receiving water and directing the water in a direction different from that in which it is received to reduce wave energy. The module is formed as a single integral unit, or as a pair of halves having complementary mating locking elements which when engaged join the halves to form the ribbed module. A buoyancy system is also included to adjust the buoyancy of the module for positioning of same at a select position in the water. A plurality of modules are connected to provide breakwaters which reduce the effects of wave action on the shore.

Abstract: A 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.

Abstract: A baffle apparatus and method for directing fluid flow to reduce damage to an energy dissipating basin that includes an inlet, an outlet, a floor, a sidewall that extends upward from an edge of the floor, and an opposing sidewall that extends upward from an opposing edge of the floor defining a basin interior with a basin span between the sidewall and the opposing sidewall. The baffle apparatus includes a deflector structure that is generally planar and is fixedly or adjustably positioned substantially transverse to a downstream direction flow in the basin, the deflector structure spanning between the sidewall and the opposing sidewall above the floor. Also included, is a retaining structure for fixedly or adjustably positioning and securing the deflector structure to the sidewall. The deflector structure directs flow in the basin to flow in a downstream direction from a reverse upstream direction adjacent to the basin floor.

Abstract: A portable breakwater system for use in a body of water includes first and second support members adapted to be positioned on the floor of the body of water and a curtain attached between the first and second support members. The first and second support members allow the curtain to freely rise in response to a wave in the body of water so as to attenuate the wave. Each support member includes a base plate and a frame assembly extending upwardly from the base plate. The base plates can be anchored to the water floor with one or more weights. The frame assemblies include pivoting or telescoping sections that permit the curtain to rise in response to a wave. Alternatively, the curtain can be attached to pre-existing underwater structure, such as the support members of a dock located in the body of water. In this case, the curtain is attached to the support members via attachment sleeves that are slidingly mounted on the support members.

Abstract: A portable breakwater system for use in a body of water includes first and second support members adapted to be positioned on the floor of the body of water and a curtain attached between the first and second support members. The first and second support members allow the curtain to freely rise in response to a wave in the body of water so as to attenuate the wave. Each support member includes a base plate and a frame assembly extending upwardly from the base plate. The base plates can be anchored to the water floor with one or more weights. The frame assemblies include pivoting or telescoping sections that permit the curtain to rise in response to a wave. Alternatively, the curtain can be attached to pre-existing underwater structure, such as the support members of a dock located in the body of water. In this case, the curtain is attached to the support members via attachment sleeves that are slidingly mounted on the support members.

Abstract: Provided are static and free-floating breakwater apparatuses that utilize a rocking panel (or beach) to dissipate wave energy. At the same time, such rocking motion can in certain embodiments be used to generate electrical power. Generally speaking, the breakwater apparatuses use a buoyant element, such as an open-bottomed hollow chamber and/or a ballast tank to resist the wave's force.

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: An apparatus and system for dissipating water wave energy and for shoreline control including a module with a generally hollow body, a pair of opposed flanges attached to adjacent corners of the body, a pair of axially aligned mounting apertures in the flanges for connecting the body to similar bodies for forming a wave energy dissipation system, and a recess disposed between the flanges. Each recess contains a plurality of boundary layer interrupting projections for substantially disrupting any laminar flow of water past the surface and creating turbulent flow.

Abstract: A portable breakwater system for use in a body of water includes first and second support members adapted to be positioned on the floor of the body of water and a curtain attached between the first and second support members. The first and second support members allow the curtain to freely rise in response to a wave in the body of water so as to attenuate the wave. Each support member includes a base plate and a frame assembly extending upwardly from the base plate. The base plates can be anchored to the water floor with one or more weights. The frame assemblies include pivoting or telescoping sections that permit the curtain to rise in response to a wave. Alternatively, the curtain can be attached to pre-existing underwater structure, such as the support members of a dock located in the body of water. In this case, the curtain is attached to the support members via attachment sleeves that are slidingly mounted on the support members.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and a method for protecting part of a coastline against erosion. The method uses the device as an elongated fin with a longitudinal axis lying generally in a horizontal plane. The fin is supported by a suspension arrangement so that it can swing in the horizontal plane. Adjusting the longitudinal axis of the fin, in the horizontal plane, causes the fin to deflect from the water flow a component that counteracts with a generally coast-parallel water flow component. This component originates from the water flow and/or from a wave that is not parallel with the coastline. The fin is carried by a suspension arrangement which enables the fin to swing in the horizontal plane. The suspension arrangement is constructed to increase the fin angle relative to the coastline when the direction of the waves relative to the coastline increases, and to decrease the fin angle relative to the coastline when the direction of the waves relative to the coastline decreases.

Abstract: A hanging articulated mat assemblage disposed between pilings or on a support structure using a plurality of elements connected with flexible rope to each other and to a support beam which permits the mat to swing freely while supporting substantial weight, and optionally using a nonabrasive pad disposed on selected faces of the elements to prevent abrasion while swinging of the mat.

Abstract: A sub-tidal platform adapted to be placed under water in front of a beach comprises a support structure having at least two upwardly extending, spaced-apart side walls extending along vertical planes. Each side wall has a bottom adapted to rest on a generally horizontal surface, and a sloping, upwardly extending edge which is at an acute angle with respect to the bottom. A plurality of interconnecting members extend between the side walls for maintaining them in an upright position. The interconnecting members are positioned adjacent to the sloping edge of the side walls. A plurality of gates are pivotally connected to the interconnecting members of the support structure for controlling fluid flow through the space between the side walls. The gates open in response to incoming fluid flow through the gates, and close in response to outgoing fluid flow in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An energy dissipating assembly for flowing water is provided which consists of a plurality of modules, each one of the modules being a buoyant body consisting of a continuous envelope defining a hollow watertight chamber, the envelope having a plurality of intersecting planar surfaces and an attaching members connected to at least two spaced locations on the continuous envelope to attach the buoyant body in a three dimensional relationship. Parts are also provided to adjust the buoyancy and mass of the buoyant body so that the assembly can be tuned for the wave activity of the water in which the system is disposed. A method of disrupting the wave action is also provided.

Abstract: An underwater erosion control system that has viscous drag elements for increasing the effect of viscous drag and disrupting laminar flow on the water current has a frame that includes two longitudinal supports that extend along the length of the underwater erosion control system near its bottom portion. The longitudinal supports extend at opposite sides of the viscous drag elements. A plurality of rungs traverse the longitudinal supports and are spaced some distance apart from each other. The viscous drag elements may be panels secured to the rungs along their retaining portion. Apertures are formed within the retaining portion of the panels and are used to retain the panels from lateral movement by passing an inner support through the apertures parallel to the longitudinal supports. The frame may be flexible or rigid. A novel installation frame and a method for installing the rigid frame embodiment also are disclosed.

Abstract: A shallow draft floating offshore drilling/producing structure. The structure is formed from a buoyant hull on which one or more modules or decks may be placed to support process equipment, a drilling rig, utilities, and accommodations for personnel. Drilling and/or producing is accomplished through a center well in the hull. The hull includes fixed ballast, an oil storage area, and voids and variable ballast for offsetting the lighter weight of the stored oil. The hull is designed to have a relatively small water plane area. The hull is also designed to have roll and pitch periods that are detuned from waves in the area that the hull is to be installed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for regulating shoreline change in cases where the magnitude of the longshore transport rate varies along a shoreline and is subject to periodic reversals. The method operates by selectively restricting the longshore sediment transport in one of the two possible shore-parallel directions. Some versions of the directional groin operate by changing the effective height of a low profile structure, while in others segments of the structure are selectively opened or restricted to sediment transport. The transport-obstructing portions of the groin may be positioned by flowing water, or may be moved by an electromechanical actuator acting under control of a microprocessor-based control system that also measures the direction of water flow.

Abstract: An artificial reef (10) that can provide a safehaven for small aquatic life and promotes phytoplankton growth (37), of which phytoplankton is food for the small aquatic life. The reef (10) includes at least one tubular vehicle tire (12) having a wall (14) that defines an exterior (16) and a hollow interior (18). The wall (14) includes oppositely situated sidewalls (20) that are interconnected by a treadwall (22) to provide a substantially U-shaped radial cross-section (23). At least one elongated corrodible iron insert (24) is inserted through each wall (14). Each insert (24) has a first end (26), a second end (28) and a center (30). The first end extends into the hollow. interior (18), the center (30) is securely positioned through wall (14) between the exterior (16) and the interior (18), and the second end extends externally of the exterior (16). The insert (24) is preferably a nail, but may be a staple or other shape.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling, reducing and preventing beach erosion comprises an elongated barrier formed of an apertured support grid and mesh material, where the mesh material is permeable to water but not to sand and where the mesh material comprises a number of flaps able to open only in the on-shore direction, such that water flow in the on-shore direction will cause the flaps to open, but water flow in the off-shore direction will cause the flaps to close against the support grid. Water will permeate through mesh apertures in the mesh material but sand particles will be retained on the on-shore side of the mesh material.

Abstract: An artificial water plant system for trapping bottom sediments in water to protect sand beach against erosion in which the water plant comprises a rod-shaped or tubular molding product having a circular or non-circular cross sectional shape and comprising a thermoplastic elastomer alone having a flexural modulus of 500 to 5,000 kg/cm.sup.2 or a composite body comprising a sheath portion constituted with the thermoplastic elastomer and a core portion constituted with synthetic fiber bundles.

Abstract: An artificial reef is formed for use in a body of water to provide a habitat for aquatic life. The reef is formed by providing an anchoring structure which is submerged in the body of water. The anchoring structure has a weight sufficient to anchor the artificial reef to the floor of the body of water. Spaced at intervals along the floor of the body of water and attached to the anchoring structure are a plurality of reef assemblies. Each of the reef assemblies is formed from a base which is secured to the anchoring structure. A flexible elastomeric sleeve is coupled to a lower end of a buoyant, elongated member formed from a substantially rigid polymeric material so that the elongated members are held in a general upright position. By providing a plurality of these reef assemblies, an artificial reef is formed.

Abstract: A floating breakwater structure that can be positioned adjacent to a boat dock or other area to be shielded from the effect of waves, the structure having a framework supported by floating members to maintain the framework above the water's surface and a plurality of adjacently positioned weighted rectangular concrete slabs pendulously supported into the water from the framework at least along one side of the structure, the concrete slabs being from about 8 to 12 feet in length, from 3 to 6 feet wide and 3 to 8 inches thick.

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.

Abstract: This apparatus is directed to an erosion barrier for use with a shoreline of tidal water having a flood and ebb phase in each tidal cycle in which a first tire barrier has a plurality of vertically stacked tiers of tires cut in half and positioned side by side in rows and the rows arranged in stacked tiers staggered and each tier connected to the tier immediately therebeneath. The half tires are positioned with their rounded tread positioned toward the tidal source and their open portion toward the shoreline to receive soil and sand during the ebb phase of the tidal cycle and form a tire revetment. A second barrier is spaced from the first barrier and has a plurality of horizontally disposed vertically pivoted slats positioned to unseat with the flood phase of the tidal cycle and permit water, soil and sand to pass therethrough but upon cycle change to ebb the slats will close stopping tidal flow to permit the soil and sand time to settle out to form land about the barriers before tidal cycle change.

Abstract: A portable floating wave dissipating device particularly useful when deployed to protect a beach area during storm periods. The device includes (a) a floating platform, (b) a pivotally connected exposed upper water breaking surface which dissipates the visible portions of oncoming waves, and (c) a pivotally connected submerged lower vane breaking the surface which dissipates the sub-surface portions of oncoming waves. The submerged water breaking surface may also include vanes for redirecting sea water flowing therethrough either upwardly or downwardly to enhance movement of subsurface sediment and sand toward the beach area.

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.

Abstract: A "soft" seawall for a beach comprises a barrier made of a flexible membrane which can be deployed at the onset of a storm and taken down after the storm has passed. This allows the beach to rebuild naturally during calm periods and prevents erosion during storms. The barrier is held in the deployed position by bollards located on the shore and dolphins located in the water. The dolphins in the water are pivotally mounted so they lie on the floor when the barrier is not deployed. Ballards on the shore contain spindles for winding the flexible membranes up to retract them. Cables are attached to ends of the membranes, and these cables are reeled in to pull the membranes into the ocean during deployment. Preferably, the membranes are arranged to form pools for dissipating the force of the waves.

Abstract: An ocean diversion wall is provided to be placed within water for preventing erosion due to wave action. The wall consists of a plurality of off shore facing segments formed as one continuous unit. Each of the segments include a base portion supported on the ocean floor. The base portion has an inclined surface to receive an incoming wave, a curved cup surface to deflect the wave upwardly and a hooked end to turn the wave back onto itself to reduce the force of the wave.

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.

Abstract: An erosion control device for retarding shoreline erosion includes an elongated sheet with an elongated anchor extending along the elongated edges thereof to anchor the sheet to the sea bottom. A support located intermediate the elongated edges support the intermediate portions of the sheet above the sea bottom. The sheet has a plurality of openings located along the intermediate portions of the sheet to permit sand to accumulate under the sheet when the device is positioned underneath the water with the anchor anchoring the edges of the sheet to the sea bottom.

Abstract: An ocean wave energy extracting beach sand erosion reversal and electric power generation system. Moored seaward of the breaker zone it serves the function of beach sand accretion by extracting energy from the waves prior to their breaking thereby lessening turbulence responsible for tossing sand into suspension to then be swept away by currents.Two pontoons support a series of pyramidal frameworks from which is suspended a strong, flexible, weighted pendulum which is the drive shaft of a large electric generator. The pendulum is caused to swing by the undulations of the ocean waves. The pendulum is caused to rotate as it swings by means of loops of cable and ratcheted pulleys thereby becomming a drive shaft to turn a large generator.By applying the force of the rotating pendulum to turn an electric generator, electricity is produced as a by-product of erosion reversal.

Abstract: This invention relates to a shore protection device and more particularly to breakwaters for protecting shorelines against wave damage and erosion. The floating breakwater is manufactured primarily from steel plate between 154" thick and 3/16" thick which may be cold rolled steel. The assembly is basically similar to a large floating barge that has some unique design characteristics that allow it to have excellent performance as a breakwall. It is designed to be simple and easy to manufacture, (there are no unusual bending or rolling operations required) and it may be floated to the site or the shoreline which needs protection. Its main feature is that it is designed to break up the tremendous power and force of wave action as the waves come rolling toward the shore, which makes the wave quiescent as it continues on toward the shoreline after it goes over and under the floating breakwater.

Abstract: A plurality of inflatable and floatable buoyant members uniquely configured and connected on slack lines adaptable to yielding to high tide and storm conditions and in which the lines are secured to anchor members, the members being hollow for receiving a fluid such as water of air, or both, and check valves for locking of closing off the fluid flow as desired. By positioning the buoyant members in the path of sea waves and by minute adjustments of buoyancy, maximizing of dissipation of the waves is achieved.

Abstract: Apparatus for placement in front of tidal wave action to cause settlement of sand from the water and thus land accretion. The apparatus includes a base section having a flexible barrier section secured thereto and extending upwardly therefrom. Method and apparatus for installing and removing the accretion apparatus are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: An artificial seaweed, or "asymmetric seaweed", system for preventing shoreline erosion and/or causing sand accretion on beaches under wave action.

Abstract: A sealing system for an earthen container such as a pit, lagoon, land fill or the like for storing waste materials includes an outer seal layer formed by mixing a water expandable colloidal clay, such as bentonite with the soil of the pit. A middle or intermediate layer is defined by a layer of granular fill material placed on the first layer. An inner seal layer is formed by mixing water expandable colloidal clay, such as bentonite with the upper surface of the granular fill layer. A source of pressurized clean fluid is in communication with the granular fill layer to develop pressure therein and prevent leakage through the inner seal layer. Level sensing apparatus for sensing the level of waste and clean fluids may be included and apparatus for detecting leakage may also be included.

Abstract: A dynamic breakwater system includes at least one and preferably a plurality of dynamic breakwater assemblies, each of which includes a baffle wall member which is pivotally mounted in a body of water about an axis which extends substantially transverse to the direction of wave motion and so that a lower portion thereof is submerged below the water surface while an upper portion thereof extends above the water surface, each baffle wall member being biased such that it has a tendency to move in a direction opposite to the direction of wave motion and wherein apparatus for damping the movement of the baffle wall member when the same moves in the direction of wave motion under the force of waves impinging thereon are provided.

Abstract: A system for protecting a coast from erosion by wave action of a body of water comprises one or more rows of fluid dynamic repellers anchored in the water near the shore line. Each of the fluid dynamic repellers comprises a top-shaped bouyant body tethered to an anchor on the bottom and having a plurality of laterally projecting arms. A paddle-like blade on each of the arms is inclined to the horizontal so as to deflect subsurface wave motion, thereby creating turbulence which dissipates wave action that would cause erosion of the coast.

Abstract: A wave gutter for swimming pools that automatically positions and maintains a longitudinal edge of the gutter, relative to the waterline, for optimum control of waves and other surface disturbances created by persons in the pool includes a wall member, fabricated to be buoyant in water, that is hingedly attached to a sidewall of the pool. The wall member is free to pivot about an axis that is proximate to and parallel with one of a pair of longitudinal edges of the wall member. This freedom, together with the buoyancy of the wall member, allows the other longitudinal edge to be situated substantially at the waterline for the most efficient wave damping capability.

Abstract: A device (4) for thermally protecting the side of a tabular iceberg (1) produces a vertical layer of calm water (7) between itself and the vertical side wall of the tabular iceberg. This thermal protective device is suspended from a mechanical protective device, which may comprise a wall of floating towers (5). The protective device comprises panels (8) of woven or non-woven material parallel to the vertical side wall of the tabular iceberg, each of said panels having a width greater than its height, being suspended from a horizontal cable (10) passing through a top hem of the panel and being stretched taut by ballast (9).

Abstract: A wall for protecting tabular icebergs against the mechanical effects of the waves and swell contains between the protective wall and the vertical side face of the tabular iceberg to be protected a layer of seawater subject to level variations of smaller amplitude than is the seawater outside said protective wall. The protective wall comprises vertical curtains parallel to the vertical side wall of the tabular iceberg to be protected. These curtains are attached to cables which maintain them in a partially submerged position, supported by gantries on the substantially horizontal upper surface of the tabular iceberg to be protected.