Abstract: A boatlift assembly having a boat cradle portion and a canopy portion. The canopy portion and boat cradle portion are movably coupled to cause the canopy portion to be automatically raised when the boat cradle is lowered and to be automatically lowered when the boat cradle is raised.

Abstract: A device and method for raising sunken objects such as crates, small boats, vessels and ships including a platform equipped with winches to lower down a basket net and a frame supporting a cryogenic apparatus to the vicinity of the object. The cryogenic apparatus is adapted to pump surrounding water through a freezing unit to reduce its temperature to below freezing and then form a stream of overcooled water directed over the sunken object to form a layer of ice about it. The basket net contains provisions to allow its closure under the object once it is lifted off the sea floor. Once enough ice is formed, the object is lifted to the surface. On average, the capacity of the cryogenic apparatus is such that a 1 ton object can be lifted in about 3 hours. Remote monitoring and control means are provided for the operator to observe and direct the operation of the device. The device is especially advantageous in dealing with explosive objects such as old and unwanted sea mines, torpedoes and alike.

Abstract: In a lift for watercraft, a load translation mechanism balances load upon the actuator throughout the raising and lowering of watercraft, thereby greatly reducing load spikes. Embodiments of the improved lift employing an over-center locking mechanism further employ an elastic stop means to reduce jarring of the apparatus when it locks in the over-center position. In some preferred embodiments, adjustable telescoping booms allow the user to adjust the height of the lifted watercraft above the base of the lift.

Abstract: A laden ship is transported across a shallow portion of a watercourse by a submergible floating vessel, while the ship is lifted upwardly within the water by means of a vessel platform placed under the hull. The vessel is preferably comprised of a multiplicity of rigid U-shape, separately floodable, buoyant sections, including end sections, which have self-propulsion. The several sections are pivotably interconnected, as by hinge assemblies, so the transporter platforms adjust to major up or down bends along the length of the hull, during lifting. The platforms are surfaced with a layer of resilient deformable material, or movable blocks, to accommodate local irregularities in the bottom of the ship.

Abstract: A lift for watercraft has raised and lowered positions and is adapted to be mounted in a body of water. The lift has a substantially rectangular base with first and second pairs of vertical corner posts that are connected to and carry longitudinal beams. The base further has two transverse beams connected to the longitudinal beams. A pivoting cradle is attached to the base. Watercraft support bunk are connected to the cradle. A pair of actuators is connected on one end to the pivoting cradle and on the other end to one of the first pair of corner post. The first pair of corner posts is adapted to be long enough that at least a portion of the corner posts is above a water level of a body of water in which the lift is mounted, and the actuators are connected to the first pair of corner posts in the portion of the corner posts above the water level.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for supporting the hull of a watercraft using a flexible bunk beam and a convex cushion attached to the beam using locking elements. The beam has a longitudinal recess with a narrow upper neck portion and a larger lower anchor portion, and the cushion has an elongated cushion locking member lockably insertable into the recess. The cushion locking member has a narrow upper neck portion and a larger lower portion sized to snuggly fit within the recess. The cushion includes internal voids and walls. The beam includes sidewalls with bores forming bearing surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a floating watercraft lift capable of raising and lowering a watercraft, and more particularly to a floating watercraft lift. In one embodiment, the watercraft lift includes a pair of longitudinally extending and approximately parallel floats with an apparatus for supporting and lifting the watercraft positioned between the floats. When the watercraft lift is positioned in a lowered position, the apparatus is submerged and each of the floats is in a first orientation and partially submerged. The apparatus may then be activated to move the watercraft lift to a raised position by moving the floats downwardly and inwardly towards the watercraft, so that the floats become further submerged in the water. The buoyancy of the submerging floats thus lifts the lift apparatus and the watercraft above the water surface.

Abstract: A boat hoist including a vertical frame and a horizontally disposed movable platform, with the platform movable between a lowered and boat unload position and a raised, boat load position. A cable system transmits force to move the movable platform. The cable system is operated and force transmitted to it, by a hydraulic drive unit, thus eliminating problems with electrically operated drive bar units. This results in the ability to lift heavier boats with less power and faster times.

Abstract: A marine vessel, typically a power boat, lifting system includes a remotely operated transmitter module, a receiver module, a level sensing module, a motor control module, and motors are integrated to automatically position a cradle to the desired position relative to the waterline of the marine vessel. The lifting system is initialized by a signal input, a button pushed and released, from either the remote transmitter or the motor control module to begin movement of the lifting cradle to a desired position. The received signal initiates the motors, and a light to indicate energized motors through a visual signal, to move in the desired direction, either lifting or lowering the cradle. The level sensing module returns a signal to the motor control module to terminate the motors, and thus the visual indicator, when the desired cradle position has been reached.

Abstract: A low-profile watercraft lift having first and second cantilever arms pivotally mounted to a base at offset pivot points for use in shallow water. The lift includes an actuator connected to the first and second cantilever arms and operable to move the first and second cantilever arms between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration with uniform application of force and a minimum amount of travel of actuator components. The lift further includes a universal plate affixed to bunk support rails for pivotally attaching hull support bunks to the support rails and to accommodate attachment of accessories including guide posts and a motor stop.

Abstract: In a lift for mooring a boat stern-on, a pair of horizontally spaced guide members is fixed to the sea wall. A frame is fixed to a pair of substantially parallel hydro-pneumatic buoyancy tanks to provide a flotation platform for supporting the hull of the boat. The stern end of each of the tanks is connected to the guide members. The guide members limit movement of the platform away from the sea wall and along the sea wall but permit vertical reciprocation of the stern ends of the lift tanks in unison and restrict the lift from listing during operation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for supporting the hull of a watercraft using a flexible bunk beam and a convex cushion attached to the beam using locking elements. The beam has a longitudinal recess with a narrow upper neck portion and a larger lower anchor portion, and the cushion has an elongated cushion locking member lockably insertable into the recess. The cushion locking member has a narrow upper neck portion and a larger lower portion sized to snuggly fit within the recess. The cushion includes internal voids and walls. The beam includes sidewalls with bores forming bearing surfaces.

Abstract: A plastic rotationally molded polyethylene buoyancy tank for boat lifts allows connection of steel to lengthwise grooves molded into each side of the buoyancy tank. Preferably, a plastic bulkhead is formed within the tank during its molding process. A segment of framing steel is bracketed between a pair of inwardly tapered compressible opposed grips. The compressible grips each have outwardly tapered slots with mating tapered rigid inserts. With the inserts partially seated on the grips, the grips are slipped lengthwise or pressed laterally into their respective grooves. Bolts extending through the grips into threaded holes in the inserts are tightened to pull the grips over their tapered inserts. This spreads and compresses the grips in their respective grooves, locking the brackets and connecting steel in place on top of the tanks.

Abstract: A large capacity boat lift includes a lift assembly mounted on each side of a boat supporting platform. Each lift assembly includes a support structure that carries a winder. A lifting cable is operably attached at each of its ends to respective sections of the winder. A drive mechanism operates the winder in first and second directions to selectively wind the cable onto and off of the winder. The cable movably interengages a pair of pulleys carried by the platform. A section of the cable between the pulleys is engaged with the support structure such that winding the cable onto the winder raises the platform and unwinding the cable from the winder lowers the platform.

Abstract: A device for preventing the tangling or crossing of lift cables by maintaining the tension on the lift cables. When the tension is removed from lift cables (4) by placing a boat in a water body, the cables (4) become slack and can cross and/or tangle at a winderbar (1), which greatly reduces the life of the cables (4) and can cause serious damage to boatlift and boat. The present invention applies a tensioning means to the cables (4) by utilizing a weight (10) and pulley (9) or a spring (15) attached to an end of the lift cable (4). Lift cables (4) are first attached at one end to the winderbar (1). The cables (4) are then fed through the cradle (13). When using the weight (10) and pulley (4) system, the cables (4) are placed over a pulley (9) so that the weight (10) attached to the opposite end of the cable (4) maintains tension on the cables (4). The spring (15) tension means attaches the tag end of the cable (5) to the windbar (1) and the opposite end of the cable (4) is attached to a spring (15).

Abstract: A hydraulic lift device for in-water boat hoists. A hydraulic cylinder is utilized to extend and retract a cylindrical rod with a vertical cross member at its end. Lift cables are attached to the cross member on opposite sides and extend rearwardly toward the hydraulic cylinder. One cable is horizontally reversed, 180° by a pulley, with both cables then directed 90° downward over respective pulleys and affixed to opposite ends of the cradle of the hoist, equalizing end to end lift. Side to side lift may be equalized by a second parallel device or by levelings cables. Primary components are contained within an attached enclosure, above water level. Remote operation and solar power may be provided.

Abstract: A floating dock for use in areas having endangered flora, sensitive to the lack of sunlight, is assembled from modular units in such a manner that sunlight can pass through the dock to impinge on the ecology.

Abstract: In a lift for mooring a boat stern-on, a pair of horizontally spaced guide members is fixed to the sea wall. A frame is fixed to a pair of substantially parallel hydro-pneumatic buoyancy tanks to provide a flotation platform for supporting the hull of the boat. The stern end of each of the tanks is connected to the guide members. The guide members limit movement of the platform away from the sea wall and along the sea wall but permit vertical reciprocation of the stern ends of the lift tanks in unison and restrict the lift from listing during operation.

Abstract: A watercraft lift having hydraulic cylinders secured to lift towers and pivot axles located above the water surface to raise and lower a cradle that is secured to a surrounding support framework with lift frames that radiate from the framework and cradle corners. Length adjustable legs depend from the framework to appropriately elevate and position the cradle and framework relative to the surface level of the waterway. Brace arms extend from the lift towers to the forward ends of the support framework. The cylinders rotate between a parallel condition to the top of the cradle, when fully elevated, and an inclined condition, when the cradle is fully lowered. The cylinders remain at all times substantially above the water.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and storing a boat above the water in the well of a floating dry dock is made up of a frame onto which the boat can be driven under its own power and which pivots on a rear bar mounted across and away from the entrance of the well. After being loaded on the frame, the boat and frame are tilted such that the frame is made to bear on a second bar located further away from the well entrance. A method of forming the apparatus and a kit containing the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A boat lift includes a base mounted on land adjacent to a body of water, a swinging frame mounted to the base by a first swinging coupling, a boat-supporting frame mounted to the swinging frame by a second swinging coupling, and an actuator for causing the swinging frame to swing relative to the base about the first swinging coupling. Thus, the boat-supporting frame moves upwardly and inwardly to a boat-storage position, or downwardly and outwardly to a boat-launch position, depending upon the direction of swinging motion of the swinging frame. The swinging frame and the boat-supporting frame together form a walkway arranged for providing access between the shoreline and the boat-supporting structure when the boat-supporting frame is in its boat-launch position.

Abstract: A boat lift for attachment to the aft transom of a larger boat for lifting and lowering smaller water craft, utilizes a single double acting hydraulic cylinder to move a truck horizontally within an enclosure. Cables fixed to the truck cause movement of vertically disposed connectors attached to a intermediate vertically moveable members which in turn include cables attached to vertically moveable support posts which carry water craft support arms.

Abstract: A portable boat lift for removal of a boat from a boat trailer comprising two elongated free-standing upright frame members and an elongated crossmember which is pivotally connectable at one end thereof to one selected aperture of one of the frame members. The crossmember includes a bow eye engaging clevis adapted for lifting engagement with a bow eye of the boat. The other frame member includes a winch with cable connectable to the other end of the crossmember. When the frame members are placed one on either side of the boat trailer adjacent the bow of the boat with the crossmember is pivotally connected to one frame member, the clevis is connected to the bow eye, and rigid support members are placed beneath the aft end of the boat, the winch will raise the boat from the trailer.

Abstract: A boat lift having a stationary frame and a lifting frame that can be raised and lowered on the stationary frame. The lifting frame has a front cross member and a rear cross member. A pair of bunk rails are adjustably mounted upon the cross members so that the rails can be pre-positioned to better conform to the shape of the hull of a boat being serviced by the lift.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for installing successive segments of a segmented dock. A suspension structure is connected to a previously installed segment of dock. The suspension structure includes a frame rotator for rotating a dock frame from an inverted position atop the previously installed dock segment to an extended position substantially parallel to the previously installed dock segment. The suspension structure suspends the frame in place while decking is added to the frame. Once the decking is installed, the person installing the dock may move onto the suspended segment in order to sink support poles from the suspended dock segment.

Abstract: A boat hoist including a four-post rectangular frame structure having a pair of rails connected between pairs of posts in a parallel manner, a hydraulic piston and cylinder unit mounted within one rail and operationally connected to a level lift pulley and cable suspension system interconnected between the frame and a vertically movable platform mounted on the frame, the piston and cylinder unit provided with either a switch or a valve to prevent accidental lowering of the platform.

Abstract: In a lift for mooring a boat stern-on, a pair of horizontally spaced guide members is fixed to the sea wall. A frame is fixed to a pair of substantially parallel hydro-pneumatic buoyancy tanks to provide a flotation platform for supporting the hull of the boat. The stern end of each of the tanks is connected to the guide members. The guide members limit movement of the platform away from the sea wall and along the sea wall but permit vertical reciprocation of the stern ends of the lift tanks in unison and restrict the lift from listing during operation.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) is provided for elevating a watercraft out of a body of water and maintaining the watercraft at a predetermined elevation over the water or removing the watercraft therefrom for towage behind a vehicle. Apparatus (10) includes a forwardly elevated ramp (12) onto which the watercraft may propel itself. Also included is displaceable catch arms (36) which pivot between an engaged position and a released position. Each catch arm (36) is biased toward the engaged position and is constructed and arranged such that it is displaced to the released position when the watercraft is propelling itself up ramp (12). After the watercraft has passed an engagement member (44) attached at the distal end (40) of catch arm (36), catch arm (36) is urged toward the engaged position and engagement member (44) makes contact with the stem of the watercraft and prevents rearward motion thereby.

Abstract: A lift and transport assembly for a boatlift comprising a first axle and a second axle having a wheel located proximate the ends of each axle, at least two axle-supporting cables securely attaching the axles to their respective boatlift attaching site; a first pulley securely attached to the first axle and a second pulley securely attached to the second axle, and an axle rotating cable attaching the first pulley to the second pulley.

Abstract: The cost of building a five thousand pound boat lift is substantially cut in half by using three pilings instead of four. The three pilings include a pair of outboard pilings and a single inboard piling. A boat-supporting cradle includes a leading frame member having an outboard end positioned near a leading piling of the pair of outboard pilings and an inboard end positioned near the single inboard piling. A trailing frame member has an outboard end positioned near a trailing piling of the pair of outboard pilings and an inboard end positioned near the single piling. A longitudinally disposed brace interconnects the leading and trailing frame members near their respective outboard ends and a longitudinally disposed plate interconnects the frame members near their respective inboard ends. An equalizer assembly is pivotally mounted to the plate and opposite ends of the equalizer assembly are connected by separate cables to a winch that surmounts the single piling.

Abstract: A boat landing apparatus with elevation device includes a boat landing apparatus and at least one elevation device. The at least one elevation device may be attached to either or both ends of the boat landing apparatus. Each elevation device includes a drive shaft, a pair of elevating arms, a pair of elevating rollers, and a drive assembly. The drive shaft is pivotally retained by a pair of roller assemblies. The pair of elevating rollers are pivotally retained by one end of each elevating arm and the other end of each elevating arm is rigidly attached to the drive shaft. The drive assembly is used to rotate the drive shaft such that thereof rotates the elevating roller into an elevated orientation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel watercraft lift assemblies comprising, in certain embodiments, single motor and dual motor/winch assemblies secured to the dock-side portion of the support structure. The present invention does not require the use of top frames for carrying cable shafts necessary to lift the frame supporting the watercraft.

Abstract: An assembly for forming a trench is described comprising a frame having two elongated members that define a support surface and at least one opening. The assembly also includes a removable grate that is disposed on the support surface and includes a hook that is disposed proximate the opening defined by the elongated frame members. The assembly also includes a removable pin that is slidably inserted through an opening defined by an elongated member and is mechanically engaged by the hook of the grate to secure the grate to the frame.

Abstract: A boat hoist including a four-post rectangular frame structure having a pair of rails connected between pairs of posts in a parallel manner, a hydraulic piston and cylinder unit mounted within one rail and operationally connected to a level lift pulley and cable suspension system interconnected between the frame and a vertically movable platform mounted on the frame, the piston and cylinder unit provided with either a switch or a valve to prevent accidental lowering of the platform.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stationary boat lift in which a boat is able to enter and exit with little difficulty. The boat lift allows a boat to bypass various barriers in a efficient and safe manner by vertically lifting the boat out of one body of water, translating the boat horizontally over a desired barrier, and then vertically lowering the boat into a second body of water.

Abstract: In a lift for mooring a boat stern-on, a pair of horizontally spaced guide members is fixed to the sea wall. A frame is fixed to a pair of substantially parallel hydro-pneumatic buoyancy tanks to provide a flotation platform for supporting the hull of the boat. The stern end of each of the tanks is connected to the guide members. The guide members limit movement of the platform away from the sea wall and along the sea wall but permit vertical reciprocation of the stern ends of the lift tanks in unison and restrict the lift from listing during operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for efficiently guiding the legs of a lift boat. Roller assemblies are used to guide the legs. The rollers may be placed at any location or in any number either vertically or around the leg to adequately center the leg. The roller can either have a metal surface that rolls along the leg or be coated with a resilient material. The base of the roller can either be rigidly mounted to the vessel or incorporate resilient material between the roller and the vessel. A means of adjusting the clearance between the leg and roller may be incorporated in the roller assembly.

Abstract: A boat lift apparatus connectable to a tubular piling to form a piling assembly embeddable into a bottom of a body of water. The apparatus includes a gearbox with a first worm gear arrangement driven by a motor output shaft and a second worm gear arrangement oriented orthogonally to the first worm gear arrangement within the gearbox. The second worm gear arrangement includes a support shaft which may drive a cable drum which is rotational driven from the second support shaft to withdraw and extend a length of cable therefrom to raise and lower a boat.

Abstract: A fixed structure is shaped like a pier and equipped on an upper part with a slide guide. A length of the pier extends from land to a point at sea where the depth is such as to allow boats to be transported to float. A trolley slides along the pier. At least two arms extend from the trolley transverse to the pier. The arms are equipped with independent hoisting devices for harnessing the boats. The arms also have a sliding counterweight and are equipped with devices which indicate the horizontal position of the arms and control the movement of the sliding counterweight. The arms are also equipped with commands with which the hoisting devices and other motorized parts of the machine are controlled.

Abstract: The invention consists in the combination of a fixed structure (1) shaped like a pier and equipped on its upper part with a slide guide (3), the length of said pier extends from land to a point at sea where the depth is such as to allow the boats (23) it transports to float, with a trolley (2) which slides along said pier (1), and with at least two arms (6) and (7) which are transversal to said pier (1), which are equipped with hoisting devices (21) and appropriate means (26) for harnessing the boats (23), and also having a sliding counterweight (18) on arms (6) and (7) and equipped with devices (15) which indicate the horizontal position of arms (6) and (7) and control the movement of the sliding counterweight (18), and also equipped with commands and means with which the hoisting devices and the other motorized parts of the machine are controlled.

Abstract: A low-profile watercraft lift having first and second cantilever arms pivotally mounted to a base at offset pivot points for use in shallow water. The lift includes an actuator connected to the first and second cantilever arms and operable to move the first and second cantilever arms between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration with uniform application of force and a minimum amount of travel of actuator components. The lift further includes a universal plate affixed to bunk support rails for pivotally attaching hull support bunks to the support rails and to accommodate attachment of accessories including guide posts and a motor stop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stationary boat lift in which a boat is able to enter and exit with little difficulty. The boat lift allows a boat to bypass various barriers in a efficient and safe manner by vertically lifting the boat out of one body of water, translating the boat horizontally over a desired barrier, and then vertically lowering the boat into a second body of water.

Abstract: A single motor, multiple cable boat lift is employed. The lift includes a platform and a pair of pilings disposed on each of the opposing sides of the platform. A first pair of cables innerconnect one side of the platform with the first pair of pilings and second pair of cables innerconnect the opposite side of the platform with the second pair of pilings. There is a single motor and a cable transmission apparatus that operably innerconnects the motor and all cables such that operation of the motor selectively retracts and extends the cables in a synchronized manner to raise and lower the lift platform.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stationary boat lift comprised of a housing in which a boat is able to enter and exit with little difficulty. The boat lift allows a boat to bypass various barriers in a efficient and safe manner by vertically lifting the boat out of one body of water, translating the boat horizontally over a desired barrier, and then vertically lowering the boat into a second body of water.

Abstract: A dock, for launching and recovery of a lifeboat, rescue boat or like small boat on a vessel, a floating platform or a fixed installation. The boat (14) is normally stored on the dock. The dock is provided with buoyant elements (1) fixed to a frame (3). The boat (14) is supported in a cradle (2) within the frame (3). On launching and recovery of the boat (14), the dock is lowered to a floating position on the surface of the water. In order to fix the boat (14) to the dock, a locking device (9, 15) is provided. By modifying the configuration and size of the buoyant elements, the dock is given rolling and pitching periods which coincide as closely as possible with those of the boat (14). The dock and the boat (14) will thereby behave in approximately the same manner in the water, which makes it relatively simple to run the boat (14) into the dock even in a very heavy sea.

Abstract: A housing for at least partially housing a boat lift pulley of a boat lift includes a main wall having a substantially vertically disposed wall portion defining an inwardly opening generally concave chamber adapted to at least partially receive therein a boat lift pulley. The main wall includes vertical and horizontal planes disposed substantially normal to each other with the concave chamber being offset to one side of the vertical plane. First and second wall portions of the main wall located at opposite sides of the horizontal plane are adapted for selective removal whereby a gear driven shaft can project therethrough to adapt a housing for selective utilization in either of two positions of installation oriented 180.degree. relative to each other. A peripheral edge portion of the main wall preferably includes symmetrically located fasteners for securing the housing to a companion housing in each of the two positions of 180.degree. oriented installation.

Abstract: A beach ramp system for watercrafts comprising at least one set of rails, each set including two rails. Each rail has a cross-section with aligned holes and an axle. Each rail also includes an aperture above the aligned holes with an elastomeric roller support rotatably supported on each axle and extending upwardly through the aperture to thereby constitute a watercraft support. Flanges are located at each end of each rail with openings therethrough. At least one Y-shaped post is provided with each post having an extent cemented in the ground and two upper extents attached to and supporting the rails.

Abstract: A boat lift motor and drive assembly includes a rigid mounting plate supporting a boat lift motor, a drive shaft thereof carrying a drive pulley, a pulley belt entrained about the drive pulley and a driven pulley, the driven pulley being connected to a shaft of a worm gear, the worm gear being in mesh with a drive gear, and the drive gear being connected to an output shaft which is in turn connected to a reel having wound thereon a boat lift cable which is connected to a boat platform for lifting and lowering a boat resting thereon. The lift motor and drive assembly as covered by a housing defined by first and second housing bodies with a first of the housing bodies including a recess for receiving the driven pulley and accommodating the same and also including a frusto-conical wall defining a protective shroud for the winding reel shaft.

Abstract: A method of distributing the loads generated between a ship and a supporting dry dock which comprises a platform comprising a number of articulatedly joined sub platforms and connected for lifting/lowering by opposed pairs of hoist winches, comprises moving certain combinations of the sub platforms by activating appropriate hoist winches, so as to alter forces to portions of the ship's hull, which forces may be evenly distributed, or concentrated so as to change the shape of local portions of the ship, or bring into alignment hatches and their covers.

Abstract: A method of assessing a ships weight so as to e.g. assist in its design and development, or to ascertain its actual center of gravity or its loaded state, comprises positioning the ship on a dry dock platform made up of a number of articulatedly joined sub platforms connected for lifting and lowerng by hoist winches. The hoist winches include signal devices which signal the load each is supporting, to a computer and visual display unit which displays the loads. The computer computes e.g. the center of gravity or the ships weight, in the displacement of the center of gravity from its designed position, the information then being passed to the designer.