Abstract: The invention relates to methods of putting a boat in the water and removing the boat from the water and to a boat launch and recovery platform (1) comprising a frame (10) for receiving a boat (2), flotation means (20) fixed to the frame (10), and a floating floor (30) coupled to the frame (10) so as to be vertically translatable. The launch and recovery platform (1) is arranged for, and the methods enable, a transition from a configuration in which the floating floor (30) rests on a support floor (11) when the launch and recovery platform (1) is out of the water, to a configuration in which the floating floor (30) floats on the surface (S1) of the water when the launch and recovery platform (1) is afloat.

Abstract: A boat lift includes posts and linear actuators, each attached to one of the posts. Each linear actuator includes an extendable and retractable member oriented for extension and retraction substantially parallel to the post. Ends of a first pair of the extendable and retractable members are connected to a first carrier, and ends of a second pair of the extendable and retractable members are connected to a second carrier. A cradle or platform is supported by the first and second carriers. The boat lift may be supported by the ground, by a structure, for example, a dock, a sea wall or a wall of a boat house, or by pontoons.

Abstract: In a method of warning of a hazardous electrical condition at a dock with wiring coupled to a voltage source via a dock breaker, an electric voltage between a ground and at least one of the dock frame or the water is detected. A plurality of voltage values of the electric voltage is stored. When at least two successive voltage values of the plurality voltage values exceeds a baseline safe voltage by a preset margin, then a shock warning signal is asserted, a dock breaker is opened and a shock warning indication is transmitted to a remote unit via a communication chipset. When at a voltage is sensed in the dock wiring system after the dock breaker has been opened, then a faulty dock breaker warning indication is transmitted to the remote unit via the communication chipset.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a method and a harbour plant for mooring a floating body. The harbour plant includes a piled base structure provided with two upwards through sea level projecting sidewalls terminated above sea level and a laterally arranged bottom structure interconnecting the sidewalls, where a top surface of the bottom structure is arranged at a depth allowing the floating body to be floated in between the sidewalls, and where the floating body is arranged to be rigidly, but releasably supported by at least parts of the sidewalls. The method includes bringing the floating body into a position between the sidewalls and fixing rigidly the floating body to the vertical sidewalls of the base structure and still exposing the floating body more or less fully to buoyancy by allowing a water-filled gap at least between bottom of the floating body and a corresponding upper surface of the base structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a device, and a system for manipulating portions of a rigid body (1), and a computer program for the execution of the steps of the method for manipulating portions (20) of a rigid body (1). The method comprises the steps of providing a rigid body (1) comprising ultrathin-sectionable material, cutting an ultrathin portion (20) from the rigid body (1), providing the portion (20) at the surface of a liquid, providing at least one magnetic device (4), which produces a magnetic field or which is able to produce a magnetic field, using the magnetic field in order to provide a magnetic force, and using the magnetic force to move the portion (20) at the surface of the liquid. The device, the system and the computer program are adapted to carry out the method for manipulating portions (20) of a rigid body (1).

Abstract: A tilting canopy has a canopy frame, at least one actuator, a plurality of canopy supports, and a support frame. The canopy frame is hingedly connected to the support frame through two medial supports, such that the medial supports act as pivot points for the canopy frame. The at least one actuator is engaged between the canopy frame and the support frame such that the at least one actuator is configured to rotate the canopy frame about the pivot point between a lowered position and a raised position. In the raised position, a user may store a boat or other vehicle or item with towers, Bimini tops, or other features which would normally be prohibitive of moving the boat or other vehicle beneath the canopy.

Abstract: A shallow water seabed terminal for storing and loading or unloading hydrocarbons, such as LNG, oil or gas, includes a removable floatable module and a removable seabed substructure intended to be supported by a seabed. The floatable module is releasably fixed to the seabed substructure so that a harbour terminal is formed. The seabed substructure includes a base structure provided with buoyancy devices, a wall structure extending upwardly from the base structure and arranged along at least a part of the periphery of the base structure. The base structure is also provided with an opening in the wall structure for allowing the floatable module to be berthed in and supported by the seabed substructure. The base structure is provided with a submerged beam or base slab structure which extends laterally out from the vertical wall structure and is configured to support the floatable module.

Abstract: The cover delivery device (e.g., for use in selectably covering a watercraft) can include a first mobile support assembly, a second mobile support assembly, a drive shaft, and a cover carrier mechanism. The first mobile support assembly is mounted to and configured for movement along a first rail. The second mobile support assembly is mounted to and configured for movement along a second rail, which is generally parallel to the first rail. The drive shaft extends between and is rotatably mounted to the first mobile support assembly and the second mobile support assembly. The cover carrier mechanism extends between and is rotatably mounted to the first mobile support assembly and the second mobile support assembly. The cover carrier mechanism is configured for selectably deploying a cover carried thereby, with the cover carrier mechanism being configured to respectively roll and unroll the cover relative thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed are an moving apparatus and a method of performing work to an interior of a hull block. The moving apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a guide rail configured to guide a working robot, a moving means driving unit configured to move the moving apparatus, and a storage battery configured to supply electricity to the moving means driving unit.

Abstract: A boat lift with hydraulically or mechanically actuated arms which self-installs a fitted three-dimensional boat cover on a powerboat. The control logic of the system allows for cover operation only when the lift is raised. A spring-tensioned roller keeps the cover tight and self-rolls the cover on the roller when the actuated arms are pivoted forward. The roller is hidden behind the boat in ‘cover-on’ position. A slip clutch prevents the torsion spring from being over tightened. The forward position of the roller is adjusted by adjusting the hydraulic cylinder length. The rearward position of the roller is adjusted by limiting the retracted position of the hydraulic cylinder. A non-hydraulic embodiment actuates the cover when the lift is operated.

Abstract: A boat lift has flotation tanks positioned under sides of a frame of the boat lift. Water flow is regulated so that tanks fill relatively evenly to maintain a surface of the boat lift that is generally horizontal at all times. Hingeable connection of the boat lift to a bulkhead, along with lateral stabilization, participates in maintaining a generally horizontal attitude for the boat lift. Water is expelled from the plurality of flotation tanks by pumping water from the flotation tanks, allowing the frame of the boat lift to rise. One or more catwalks along the sides of the boat lift and connected to the bulkhead are also floating, but at a level that is independent of the boat lift frame.

Abstract: A boat lift having a plurality of flotation tanks positioned under each of opposite sides of a frame of the boat lift. Trunk lines receive water through a port near the rear of the trunk lines, and communicate water into a plurality of flotation tanks. Water flow is regulated so that the plurality of the tanks fill relatively evenly to maintain a surface of the boat lift that is generally horizontal at all times. Hingeable connection of the dock to a bulkhead, along with lateral stabilization, participate in maintaining a generally horizontal attitude for the boat lift. Water is expelled from the plurality of flotation tanks by pumping water from the flotation tanks, allowing the frame of the boat lift to rise.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a yacht lifting apparatus. To transport a ship being lifted at a quay or a dock on the coast in a safe manner without vibration, the present invention proposes a yacht lifting apparatus which comprises: a main body frame standing upright at both sides of the ship to support a load and having a bottom comprising a wheel; lifting means arranged above the main body frame for enabling the elevation of a band wound onto the ship; and control means for controlling the operation of the yacht lifting apparatus, the yacht lifting apparatus being configured to transport and lift the ship to a predetermined place, said yacht lifting apparatus further comprising: a first cylinder arranged below the main body frame toward the hull of the ship; and hull fixing means for preventing the ship from vibrating by allowing a contact element coupled to the front end of the first cylinder to contact the hull.

Abstract: A boat docking apparatus includes a guide assembly adapted to guide a boat through an entranceway. The guide assembly includes a beam with a horizontal and a vertical element which includes a first end and a second end. A first vertical frame is coupled to the first end of the horizontal element and a second vertical frame is coupled to the second end of the horizontal element. A slider apparatus is coupled to each of the first vertical frame and second vertical frame. A first door and a second door is coupled to the slider apparatus and a first roller coupled to the first door, and a second roller coupled to the second door. A boat lift is coupled to the horizontal element of the guiding assembly and includes a structural platform on which the boat is to be docked.

Abstract: A boat lift apparatus includes a base having a first base beam and a second base beam and a moveable boat support platform having a first lifting beam, a second lifting beam, and at least one cradle support connected to and suspended between the first and second lifting beams. At least two first support struts connect the first base beam and the first lifting beam, and at least two second support struts connect the second base beam and the second lifting beam. When the boat support platform is in a lowered position the at least two first support struts are generally parallel to both the first base beam and the first lifting beam, and the at least two second support struts are generally parallel to both the second base beam and the second lifting beam.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein disclose a watercraft vehicle lift. The watercraft vehicle lift may comprise a pivoting hinge configured to rotate around a fixed axis, a lift configured to extend and contract an arm to apply force and a scissor hinge with a plurality of pivoting points configured to extend and contract and receive force from the arm of the lift at an upward angle.

Abstract: A solar-powered boat winch suited for installation upon boat lifting structures such as those in a remote location. The solar powered boat winch includes an electric motorized winch, a solar cell, a rechargeable battery, a recharger, and mechanical mounts for attaching the solar powered boat winch to a boat lift structure. The solar cell collects sufficient solar energy and converts it into electricity that charges the rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery acts as the power source for an electric motor of the winch. The winch assembly also includes remote controlled operation.

Abstract: A dry-dock walking machine for installation on the deck surface of a dry-dock is operable for transporting a ship to a selected location relative to the dry-dock. There is provided a plurality of laterally spaced-apart, parallel support beams rigidly interconnected and dimensioned to extend transversely beneath the ship and across at least a portion of its width to engage its hull and support it above the deck surface. A lifting jack assembly is mounted on each end of each support beam, and they are spaced apart so that each support beam has a lifting jack assembly positioned adjacent each lateral side of the ship. A stabilizer mechanism is mounted on each support beam adjacent each lifting jack assembly operable for selectively engaging a lateral side the ship's hull to establish and maintain lateral stability of the ship relative to the support beams.

Abstract: A boat cradle system for securely supporting boats, even in hurricane conditions, comprising one or more decks anchored to the ground or to an underlying structure. Moveably mounted on the deck or decks is a series of mobile boat supports that move back and forth between an inoperative position and an operative position.

Abstract: A receiving assembly for receiving a seagoing vessel is provided, to be suspended from an articulated arm of a handling structure which is provided with a lifting cable that is intended to carry a seagoing vessel and to move the vessel in a vertical direction to deploy and/or recover the vessel from the sea from a floating building on which the handling structure is secured, the receiving assembly comprising a lower part which comprises receiving means of the vessel, the receiving means having a passage for the cable and defining a cavity capable of receiving the vessel when the vessel is suspended from the lifting cable and arranged to ensure blocking of rotational and translational movements in the vertical direction upward of a seagoing vessel which is generally tubular in form, in relation to the receiving means, when the seagoing vessel is received by the cavity and comes to bear.

Abstract: A watercraft lift with hydraulically actuated arms which self-installs a fitted three-dimensional boat or other watercraft cover on a powerboat or other watercraft. Control logic allows for cover operation only when the lift is raised, and has a single control for both the lift and cover system. A spring-tensioned roller keeps the cover tight and self-rolls the cover on the roller when the actuated arms are pivoted forward. The roller is hidden behind the watercraft when in a “cover-on” position.

Abstract: A dock system having a dock assembly having a frame made of tubing, a conduit supporting channel, a plurality of planks, and a plurality of floats. Attached to the dock assembly is a hoist assembly that includes a pair of support frames, a drive mechanism with a drive shaft and a pair of cradle straps attached to the drive shaft and a pair of retaining elements.

Abstract: Various security members for selectively preventing movement of a boat-supporting cradle of a boat lift system. In one form, each security member is structured to hang from a longitudinal support on the boat lift system and to operably move along the longitudinal support between an engaged position and a disengaged position. Each security member comprises a bracket structured to hold the cradle in a secured position when the security member is in the engaged position.

Abstract: This invention is a floating docking port that allows ships to dock within the port structure and be loaded, unloaded, and refueled, while converting the energy generated from wave motion into a usable source of power. The docking port isolates the vessels from waves and adverse sea currents, which allows for more effective cargo transfer. The docking port is extremely large and functions as a storage and distribution center for naval vessels. The loading and unloading of cargo and containers is accomplished by a container handling system that utilizes hoists, railed carriages, and cargo elevators to facilitate efficient loading and unloading of containers.

Abstract: A drive-on watercraft (10) has removable/replaceable bunks (50, 80). The bunks are configured to define two rails (64,66; 94a,b). In one embodiment, one rail (64) is higher than the other rail (66). This bunk with rails of different heights can be positioned on the body of the lift with either rail facing inwardly, such that the lift can be configured to receive watercraft of different sizes. In a second embodiment, the bunk (80) has a ramp (84) positioned to extend rearwardly from the back of the lift body when the bunk is mounted to the lift body. The bunk ramp (84) provides a sacrificial point of first contact for of a watercraft with the lift and provides for a softer ride for the watercraft onto the lift.

Abstract: A step that may be attached to a boat lift rail. The boat lift rail may be in between the dock and the boat. Therefore, a user may board the boat from the dock using the step. Further, the step may raise and lower with the lift with the top of the step staying above the surface of the water.

Abstract: A universal launch and recovery system that may be used to launch or recover/receive water vessels. The launch and recovery system including a deployable ramp having a shock mitigating arrangement, including bumpers, fenders and a bow stopping guard arranged to accommodate vessels of different geometries.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for a watercraft lifting system comprises a load transferring member, a load receiving member, and a clamping member. The load receiving member has an outer tapered surface. The clamping member has opposing flanges extending from a base portion, an outer surface of at least one opposing flange attachable to the load transferring member. An inner surface defined by the flanges and base portion being complementarily tapered to closely nest with the outer tapered surface of the load receiving member.

Abstract: A hydraulic boat lift uses two hydraulic cylinders to pull/release cables attached to a boat cradle. The hydraulic cylinders are operated by attachment to a tandem pump to cause them to operate in a synchronized fashion. Furthermore a switch assembly has a switch associated with each respective hydraulic cylinder, the pair of switches being wired in parallel so that if one side of the boat cradle reaches its fully raised position before the other side, the one side will stop and the other side will continue to move up until it is also disposed in a fully raised position before stopping by turning off the electricity to the tandem pump.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein disclose a watercraft vehicle lift. The watercraft vehicle lift may comprise a pivoting hinge configured to rotate around a fixed axis, a lift configured to extend and contract an arm to apply force and a scissor hinge with a plurality of pivoting points configured to extend and contract and receive force from the arm of the lift at an upward angle.

Abstract: A hydraulic boat lift uses two hydraulic cylinders to pull/release cables attached to a boat cradle. The hydraulic cylinders are operated by attachment to a tandem pump to cause them to operate in a synchronized fashion. Furthermore a switch assembly has a switch associated with each respective hydraulic cylinder, the pair of switches being wired in parallel so that if one side of the boat cradle reaches its fully raised position before the other side, the one side will stop and the other side will continue to move up until it is also disposed in a fully raised position before stopping by turning off the electricity to the tandem pump.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for controlling a variable speed boat lift motor. The systems, apparatuses, and methods include a user interface for connection to a variable speed boat lift drive. The user interface transmits a signal to a variable speed boat lift drive that causes the variable speed boat lift drive to rise at a first speed set by a user through the user interface and lower at a second speed set by a user through the user interface.

Abstract: A boat lift having a plurality of flotation tanks positioned under each of opposite sides of a frame of the boat lift. Trunk lines receive water through a port near the rear of the trunk lines, and communicate water into a plurality of flotation tanks. Water flow is regulated so that the plurality of the tanks fill relatively evenly to maintain a surface of the boat lift that is generally horizontal at all times. Hingeable connection of the dock to a bulkhead, along with lateral stabilization, participate in maintaining a generally horizontal attitude for the boat lift. Water is expelled from the plurality of flotation tanks by pumping water from the flotation tanks, allowing the frame of the boat lift to rise.

Abstract: A lightweight, knock-down portable watercraft lift or mooring device for small watercraft includes a modular freestanding frame having a pair of spaced supporting foot members, each foot member carrying a pair of spaced support members connected at one end to the foot member, a pair of rails carried by and connected to a second end of the support members. Both the spacing of between the support members and the length of the support members are adjustable allowing the distance between and height of the rails to vary to accommodate watercraft of different widths, water of different depths and create varying lift angles.

Abstract: A lightweight, knock-down portable watercraft lift or mooring device for small watercraft is disclosed that includes a modular freestanding frame having a pair of spaced supporting foot members, each foot member carrying a pair of spaced support members connected at one end to the foot member, a pair of rails carried by and connected to a second end of the support members. Both the spacing of between the support members and the length of the support members are adjustable allowing the distance between and height of the rails to vary to accommodate watercraft of different widths, water of different depths and create varying lift angles.

Abstract: An electric sentry system provides utilities for the welfare of a docked boat. The sentry system serves as boat and lift control, and security, system that has a wireless interface for two-way communications with a mobile wireless device. The system is configured to receive commands sent from the mobile wireless device. The system is also configured to independently monitor conditions involving the boat, the lift, or the premises surrounding the docked boat slip, and provide notifications to the boat owner/relevant user upon the occurrence of certain report-worthy events. This includes having the system monitoring online sources for extreme weather and/or other climatic data.

Abstract: Various security members for selectively preventing movement of a boat-supporting cradle of a boat lift system. In one form, each security member is structured to hang from a longitudinal support on the boat lift system and to operably move along the longitudinal support between an engaged position and a disengaged position. Each security member comprises a bracket structured to hold the cradle in a secured position when the security member is in the engaged position.

Abstract: A free-standing watercraft lift providing a simple adjustment of lateral position of the bunks used to support a watercraft using telescoping cross members on the lifting frames and adjustable spacing of the side beams.

Abstract: A pontoon boat lift features tanks adjacent opposite sides thereof with upper walls slopes upwardly in a laterally outward direction. In lowered positions of the tanks, top ends of the sloped walls remain above water for visual and physical guidance of the pontoon boat into a position placing pontoons thereof between the outwardly sloped walls and over submerged portions of the lowered tanks, thereby allowing subsequent seating of the pontoons on said sloped walls during raising of the air tanks to lift the pontoons from the water. Buoyancy control for raising and lowering of the tank is effected by controlling air and water content thereof. The tanks are arranged to trap sufficient air therein to keep the lift buoyant to prevent sinking without using legs to support the boat lift on the sea, lake or river bed. The lift is adjustable in width and length for boats of varying size.

Abstract: An assembly for attaching to a boat lift 12 includes a boat lift 12 attachment mechanism 70 for attaching to the boat lift 12; an outer support 24; an inner support 26 slidable within an interior of the outer support 24; a tire 22 attached to the inner support 26; and a stop member 82 extending from the outer support 24 to engage the tire 22 when the inner support 26 is retracted into the outer support 24. An outer surface of the inner support 26 is configured to be mateable with an inner surface of the outer support 24, thereby preventing rotation therein while permitting longitudinal movement with respect to the outer support 24. In another aspect, an assembly includes an axle 54 attached to the inner support 26 for the attachment of a ground engaging member. A method of leveling a boat lift 12 includes causing substantially vertical movements of first and second portions of the boat lift 12 until the boat lift 12 is horizontally level.

Abstract: A lifting system for navigable watercraft or marine vessels for temporary stationary positioning of the vessel on a seabed includes supporting legs that may be lowered and raised, and a locking and braking device to provide a force locking engagement with the respective supporting leg. The lifting system also includes a hydro-mechanical device, combined with hydraulic devices, to allow a stationary position of a raised vessel and a lowering of the vessel during transition to a travelling position to be achieved.

Abstract: Launch and recovery apparatus (220) for launching a boat (230) into water from a supporting structure (210) such as a ship comprises a cradle (211) shaped to receive and support a boat and having a cradle axis, the cradle being moveable relative to the supporting structure between a first stowed position to a second ramp position at which the boat is typically in the water, and wherein the attitude of the axis of the cradle with respect to the water is steeper that when the boat is in the stowed positions. A movement mechanism is configured to move the cradle between the first stowed position and the second ramp position, typically having a linkage mechanism guiding the movement of the cradle into the water, which can be provided in a collapsing parallelogram arrangement which controls the change in attitude of the axis of the cradle as the cradle moves between the stowed and ramp positions.

Abstract: A watercraft lift system for effectively operating in shallow water. The watercraft lift system generally includes a base structure, a plurality of support legs pivotally connected to the base structure, a support platform connected to the support legs, a pair of lifting assemblies connected to the base structure and the support platform, and a pair of actuators connected to the base structure and the lifting assemblies.

Abstract: A watercraft lift with hydraulically actuated arms which self-installs a fitted three-dimensional boat or other watercraft cover on a powerboat or other watercraft. Control logic allows for cover operation only when the lift is raised, and has a single control for both the lift and cover system. A spring-tensioned roller keeps the cover tight and self-rolls the cover on the roller when the actuated arms are pivoted forward. The roller is hidden behind the watercraft when in a “cover-on” position.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for a watercraft lifting system comprises a load transferring member, a load receiving member, and a clamping member. The load receiving member has an outer tapered surface. The clamping member has opposing flanges extending from a base portion, an outer surface of at least one opposing flange attachable to the load transferring member. An inner surface defined by the flanges and base portion being complementarily tapered to closely nest with the outer tapered surface of the load receiving member.

Abstract: An onboard lift leg construction for a pontoon boat has a plurality of movable support legs including rear telescoping tube support legs that are fixed to a frame of a pontoon boat. The telescoping tube support legs each include an outer tube fixed to the frame, and an inner tube slidably mounted within the outer tube. A linear hydraulic actuator is secured to a head member that is supported on the outer tube. The actuator has an extendable and retractable rod that is attached or secured to the lower end of the inner tube such that when the actuator is extended, the inner tube is also extended to effectively lift the pontoon boat to which the outer tube is attached. The forward portions of the pontoon boat frame can be provided with pivoting lift legs for lifting the pontoon boat.

Abstract: A boat lift canopy entrance for easily entering and exiting a boat upon a boat lift with a canopy without having to stoop and trip while getting into out of the boat. The boat lift canopy entrance includes an entrance closure assembly being fastenable over an entranceway of a canopy and having a piece of material capable of being removably disposed over and closing the entranceway.

Abstract: A watercraft lifting system includes a bunk rail assembly, an intermediate frame assembly, a base assembly and a ground support assembly. The bunk rail assembly includes a bunk rail coupled to a load distribution member. The load distribution member is received by the bunk rail such that the bunk rail may rotate by at least a limited amount relative to the load distribution member. The bunk rail may slideably receive a bunk cushion and form a channel therewith for sandwiching a rigid structural member (e.g., a board). The watercraft lifting system may also include contoured clamps that cooperate to distribute and transfer load between frame members. In one embodiment, the contoured clamps include parabolically-shaped inner surfaces.

Abstract: A boat lift apparatus includes a base having a first base beam and a second base beam and a moveable boat support platform having a first lifting beam, a second lifting beam, and at least one cradle support connected to and suspended between the first and second lifting beams. At least two first support struts connect the first base beam and the first lifting beam, and at least two second support struts connect the second base beam and the second lifting beam. When the boat support platform is in a lowered position the at least two first support struts are generally parallel to both the first base beam and the first lifting beam, and the at least two second support struts are generally parallel to both the second base beam and the second lifting beam.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for automatically leveling a boat lift. The systems, apparatuses, and methods include a level sensor for sensing a level of at least two portions of a boat lift and a user interface. The user interface is for coupling to the level sensor and for maintaining the boat lift at less than a predetermined slope.