Abstract: An industrialized construction process is provided in which the filling material (8) is poured in situ on empty segments (3) prefabricated ex situ. The process comprises the prefabrication of empty segments (3) including the assembling of steel reinforcement elements (9) and assembling fixing elements (4) whereby these comprise rigid elements (22) and at least part of the moulds (13), which occur at a location (5) ex situ; transport and placement of the empty segments (3) in the final position in the structure (1); pouring the filling material (8); consolidation or curing of the filling material; prestressing the structure (1); and removal of the moulds (13) and fixing elements (4). The present invention also relates to a construction system adapted for carrying out the construction process.

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 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: The mobile floating lift is disclosed and may include a cradle dimensioned and adjustable to conform to, engage, lift and store a watercraft, wherein the cradle has at least a first end and a second end opposite the first end, at least two floatation assemblies, each spaced along separate axes, each of the at least two floatation assemblies having at least one floatation device, wherein the cradle is spaced between the at least two floatation assemblies pivotally attached near the first end of the cradle at least one pivot point, and at least one drive mechanism operatively connected to at least one of the at least two floatation assemblies and to the cradle for moving the cradle in an arcing vertical direction toward the at least two floatation assemblies, wherein the at least one drive mechanism operates to raise the second end of the cradle in an arc relative to the pivot point.

Abstract: A portable marine lift capable of multi-directional off-loading of yachts, ships, and other marine vessels at ground level to dry-dock them. It is compact and barge-like, and can be shared by independent shipyards, or used to expand the work area within a single port facility or shipyard. It is also self-contained when fitted with generators and/or propulsion means via add-on pods, and comprises independent platform sections joined together to meet any hull design, length and water depth. Platform sections have the ability to submerge, and may also be employed to capture and temporarily contain environmentally hazardous materials commonly produced by shipyards. In addition, the platform sections are preferably open-framed for weight savings. Computerized lifting, via multiple lift modules secured to platform sections, assures lifting of vessels in substantially level orientation.

Abstract: A boat lifting assembly includes a cradle for carrying a boat mounted between three pilings on each cradle side. A pair of support housings is affixed to the pilings on each cradle side. A pair of hydraulic lifts are housed in the housings and connected to the cradle for moving same vertically. Each lift includes a horizontally extensible piston carrying a piston pulley block and a stationary hydraulic cylinder. Three cables have one end portion threaded between the pulleys of the block and the cradle. Transition pulleys are supported by the housing and direct the cable vertically for moving the cradle when the block is moved. Additional pulleys and various anchor points may be employed to provide for vertical lifts of 1.5, 2.0 and 3.0 times the distance of movement of the piston. The housings are in the same plane as the cradle deck and/or dock.

Abstract: A pre-cast article of manufacture and system, a deck and dock is disclosed utilizing 2 main components, beam(s) and slab(s). Only one component, the cantilever beam, is required for the invention. The preferred embodiment uses a cantilevered Z beam and other embodiments use a drop-cantilever beam and straight-cantilever beam. The cantilever beam may be any shape or size. Optional accessories are also disclosed that may be added such as hand rail(s), boat bumper(s) and water access ladder(s).

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 boatlift leg and frame structure utilizing a ball screw lifting mechanism driven by a reversible electric motor to raise and loser a boat support carriage. The raising and lowering operation of the ball screw mechanism is controlled by electronic circuitry that includes wired and remote direction selection; lifting logic with conflict detection and direction reversal delay; lighting control logic; motor power control; and overload detection logic to detect lifting overload and disable power to the motor power control. A drive train mechanism converts high-speed low torque rotation of the motor drive shaft to low-speed high-torque rotation drive of the ball screw. A boatlift leveling mechanism associated with one or more legs of the boatlift includes a ground engaging footpad, an extendible leg, a height adjusting screw mechanism and a height adjusting actuator with mating bevel gears coupled to the height adjusting screw for allowing adjustment through the side of a boatlift leg.

Abstract: A pre-cast article of manufacture, system and method of manufacturing and constructing a deck, dock step(s) and dock is disclosed utilizing 2 main components, beam(s) and slab(s). Optional accessories are also disclosed that may be added such as hand rail(s), boat bumper(s) and water access ladder(s).

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and storing a boat above water and particularly for shallow water, is made up of a pair of laterally spaced floats fixedly secured to inner ends of a pair of beams whose outer ends are pivotally secured to a dock, a set of fixed posts, a bulkhead or other fixed structure. The floats and beams form a well having an entrance away from which is mounted a rear bar and further away from the rear bar and on the beams is mounted a front bar. A boat mounting frame onto which a boat can be driven under its own power is pivotally mounted on the rear bar such that after a boat is loaded on the boat mounting frame, the frame can be tilted such that its leading end engages the front bar and maintains the boat above the water in a position suited for storage. A method of forming the apparatus and a kit containing the apparatus is also disclosed.

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 biodegradable product for use as a ground cover or in the formation of a berm and comprising a major component of organic particulate as compost or a mulch containing compost. Additional components include granular molasses, granular guar, cotton seed meal and soy bean meal. A blower system for delivery of the product is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,036,406 incorporated herein by reference, and which discloses a vehicle supported system for mixing and discharging the product. The present product applied as a blanket serves to inhibit erosion and promote plant growth. When used in berm construction, the product constitutes a barrier aiding in the confinement of hazardous matter.

Abstract: A highly stable beach access stairway is described that includes steps constructed of first and second parallel stringers with a plurality of treads extending between the stringers; upper, intermediate and lower support posts upon which the stringers are mounted; upper, intermediate and lower cable attachment rods extending through the support posts and stringers; a plurality of sand anchors positionable at spaced distances from the top and sides of the steps, and cables that connect the anchors to the attachment rods adjacent the inner sides of the stringers. The top anchor is connected to the upper and intermediate rods, while the side anchors are attached to the inner face of the stringer on the opposite side of the steps from the anchor. A bottom anchor may also be positioned beneath the steps and attached to the intermediate and lower rods.

Abstract: An elongated member suitable for flooring, decking, or seating, having a top plate formed as an extrusion of plastic material, wherein the top plate includes ribs constituted by protruding parts of parallel, spaced, elongated friction elements co-extruded therewith, the friction elements being formed of plastic having distinctly greater softness or flexibility than the main parts of the top plate and suitable for providing a non-slip surface. The member may include an elongated support formed as a relatively rigid extrusion of plastic material having a base plate with upstanding side walls and a central support portion, the top plate overlying the support and having edge formations engaging the side walls. Alternatively, the top plate and support may be formed integrally by extrusion, or the top plate may be part of a plank cover having integrally formed ribs for spacing the top plate above a plank.

Abstract: A cabled platform suspension system includes a platform having first and second support points at spaced locations along a front work-access edge of the platform and a third, stabilizing/rotator support point. A platform support structure, such as the two or four towers of a dry dock, defines first, second, third and fourth platform suspension points arranged in a substantially rectangular pattern. Six cables are connected between the platform and support structure, with five cables being respectively connected between the first and fourth suspension points and the first and second platform support points, two cables being respectively connected between the second and third suspension points and the first and second platform support points and two cables being respectively connected between the second and third suspension points and the third platform support point.

Abstract: A pollution control system to control pollutants in water surrounding a drydock includes a housing extending from each end of the drydock wing walls about the perimeter of the drydock so as to completely encircle an inboard deck of the drydock. The drydock moves between a floating position to a submerged position upon filling drydock buoyancy tanks with water. The housing includes a slot to allow positioning of a removable screen in an opening in the top of the housing. The screens allow the water to flow to and from the deck, as the deck moves between the floating position and the submerged position. A baffle plate is positioned inboard of the housing on the drydock deck to inhibit movement of pollutants between the baffle plate and the housing. Advantageously, a process for reducing pollutants in water surrounding a drydock includes removal of the screen from the housing to protect it from ultraviolet effects or from welding operations during maintenance and repair of a drydocked vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple system for in-water dry docking pleasure boats using existing boat slips. The system includes a dry-dock basin having one or more ballast tanks mounted below the bottom surface of the basin. The basin is submerged along guide pipes below the boat slip where the boat is typically stored. The basin comprises a port hull half and a starboard hull half that abuttingly engage at a seam which preferably comprises an insert. The insert is preferably flexible and may be formed as a keel well.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for containment of a space adjacent the hull of a ship to protect the environment from polluting materials resulting from the abrasive blasting, spray painting and the like comprising, welding studs having integral connectors to the hull along a direction substantially fore and aft of the ship. Lines are supported and run relative to the studs. Sections of a shroud are connected to the lines and the lines are drawn to pull one end of the shroud sections proximal to the hull and the other end is fixed remote from the hull. Adjacent sections are secured along their sides. The entire space beneath the shroud and adjacent the hull containing the polluting materials is therefore separated from the environment.

Abstract: A flexible trench liner system used for forming a single or a dual containment trench where during a trench overflow, the liquid run-off is prevented from migrating behind the primary flexible liner or behind the secondary flexible liner and possibly leaking onto the trench walls and bottom. The system includes an upper portion on the flexible liner means that overlaps at least a portion of the bearing surface of the trench. The overlapping upper portion of the flexible liner can be part of the primary liner and/or the secondary liner. The flexible liner means are held against the trench walls and the bearing surface by a holding means.

Abstract: The piston rod of a lift cylinder unit on a boat lift is selectively locked from extending or retracting by a locking mechanism having a clamping ring which is sleeved on the piston rod and is biased into locking position by a compression spring engaging a piston in a locking cylinder. This cylinder is selectively supplied with pressurized water to compress the spring and thereby release the clamping ring. Hydraulic lines extend to the lift cylinder and locking cylinder from a control manifold located adjacent the boat lift for remotely operating the lift and the locking mechanism.

Abstract: An improved personal watercraft launcher is disclosed having a deployable carriage mounted upon a dock surface and movable in a guided path between a stowed and deployed position. A cradle assembly affixed to the dock surface near to the water is equipped with a pair of opposed rollers inwardly directed to engage open channels of longitudinal rails on each side of the carriage. Guided by the roller engagement of the side rail channels and limited in travel by roller stops fixed along the side rails, the carriage is moved longitudinally through the cradle assembly along the dock surface from its stowed position with the watercraft carried directly upon adjustable support members secured to the carriage.

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 lowering 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.

Abstract: A lift is placeable in a waterbody for a watercraft having a water intake port and a water drawing device for drawing water through the water intake port. The lift includes a tank. The tank has an interior and an exterior, with the interior including a chamber. The tank also has an upper surface configured for receiving the watercraft, and a water inflow port and a selectively actuable valve for permitting water to flow into the chamber. A water outflow port is provided which is configured to be matable with the water intake port. The water intake port of the watercraft can be mated with the water outflow port of the tank to permit the water drawing device of the watercraft to draw water out of the tank.

Abstract: A floating boat lift for lifting and supporting a boat above the surface of a body of water. The boat lift includes two elongated buoyant pontoons held in spaced apart, generally parallel relation by two transverse, generally U-shaped supports. Each transverse support has a lower, elongated mid portion, side portions upwardly extending from the ends of each mid portion, and upper horizontal end bearing portions which outwardly extend for pivotal connection with the respective pontoons. A cable mechanism is connected between a winch and the transverse supports whereby the supports are pivoted between a first position wherein a cradle connected to the mid portions is elevated above the water's surface and a second position wherein the cradle is submerged. Movement of each mid portion is along an arc defined generally by the length of side portions of each support.

Abstract: A stationary rectangular base frame is mounted underwater and supports generally upwardly extending, swingable, parallel links or arms. A lift platform or lift pads are supported at the upper end portions of the arms and, in combination with the base frame and arms, form one or more upright parallelograms. A hydraulic jack is connected extending generally diagonally of the parallelogram arrangement and has a plunger for swinging the arms to translate the lift platform or pads up to remove a watercraft from the water or down to lower the watercraft back into the water.

Abstract: An apparatus for elevating objects and consisting of a frame for bearing on a subjacent support surface for the apparatus, a platform having an upwardly facing surface for bearing against an object to be elevated and laterally spaced sides and mounted to the frame for movement relative to the frame in a vertical direction between a lowered position and a raised position, a flexible cord, a winch mounted on the frame for selectively retrieving and paying out the cord, an elongate hollow conduit with spaced opposite ends mounted to the platform so that the conduit length is aligned laterally with respect to the platform, and wherein the cord extending from the spaced opposite ends of the conduit is connected to the winch and frame so that as the line is retrieved by the winch a lifting force is exerted on the conduit to elevate the platform.

Abstract: The present invention sets forth an hydraulically operated boat lift for lifting small boats upwardly out of a body of water by simultaneously supplying water pressure to four support posts connected to four corner portions of a lifting frame. Each of the corner posts comprises an hydraulic cylinder with the cylinder body connected to the lifting frame and moveable vertically on its downwardly extending piston rod which forms support legs for the lift.

Abstract: A series of simple detachable frames, fitted between a floating body and its' mooring support structure, will provide static stability to the floating body, by restraining all movements--except those occurring vertically under tides and buoyancy lift, and to which movements it will provide vertical guidance. Called "Stabilizer for Floating and Submersible Structures," many uses are anticipated for the device. Among these are: pontoon lift docks, where it will eliminate the need for winches and their lift cables or chains, as well as their support piers; ocean-bed exploratory structures, where it will create a new type of stabilized oil-drilling platform and transfer shuttle; and for water craft at mooring, a safer securing system to replace conventional mooring lines.

Abstract: A boat lift for a berth having permanently positioned piles in pairs spaced apart a distance sufficient to permit the boat to be berthed thereat to move between the paired piles while in the water includes a cradle having fore and aft transverse members upon which the boat is supported out of the water, a first pair of such piles equipped with first sheaves, a second pair of such piles with second sheaves, a third pair of such piles positioned between the first and second pairs adjacent the second second pair, first and second beams carried by the inside and outside piles of the second and third piles, motor driven winch drums supported by the first and second beams, third sheaves carried by the first and second beams, first inside and outside cables reeved respectively from the first and second drums via the first and second sheaves forward to the inside and outside piles of the first pair to lift the fore transverse member of the cradle, and second inside and outside cables reeved from the winch drums via t

Abstract: A method for constructing a large-scale marine structure, which comprises: providing, near a dock (2) of which at least one end faces the waters through a gate (6), a pond (5) having an end thereof facing the waters through another gate (6'); constructing in the dock (2) a plurality of blocks (1A, 1B) for the large-scale marine structure (1); towing out the plurality of blocks (1A, 1B) thus constructed from the dock (2) to the waters, and towing same into the pond (5); tack-welding together the plurality of blocks (1A, 1B) in the floating state in the pond (5); discharging water in the pond (5) to cause the plurality of blocks (1A, 1B) thus tack-welded together to land onto the bottom (5a) of the pond (5); and fully welding together the plurality of blocks (1A, 1B) tack-welded together to construct the large-scale marine structure (1).

Abstract: A docking apparatus comprises a drive truck adapted to run along a side wall of a dock approximately horizontally, a surface treating truck connected to the drive truck at all times and having a hull surface treating device, and a docking truck connectable to and separable from the drive truck and having a retractable hull suction disk. The drive truck only is provided with drive units for running.

Abstract: In order to make possible a "self-docking" of a floating dock, the dock is divided into a middle pontoon and two end pontoons, which are interconnectable in alternative positions in the vertical direction, so either the middle pontoon, or the end pontoons may be lifted out of the water. The pontoons are held together by bolts, which are accessible from cofferdam-like spaces, formed when two pontoons are fitted together, and which may be maintained watertight. Male and female coupling members are furthermore provided to secure the pontoons in their two operative positions. During a disconnecting and connecting operation the pontoons are guided by rigid link arms, chains or the like.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a method for assembling hulls of vessels intended to carry bulk, liquid and gas cargo and comprising an aft end, a parallel middlebody and a fore end. The building berth comprises a main site composed of a rear area and front area and having at least one adjacent transverse lateral area. The parallel middlebody is assembled from two parts. The aft and fore ends are assembled in the lateral area. The two parts which make up the parallel middlebody, and the aft and fore ends then all joined into a hull.

Abstract: A self stabilizing elevator float having a float body divided into a series of ballast tanks which are bailed or flooded to raise or lower the float body. A first pair of vertically displaceable towers are arranged at one end of the float. A second pair of towers at the opposite end of the float are displaced sufficiently transverse from the float so that the first and second pair of towers imparts longitudinal and transverse stability to the float.

Abstract: A dry dock according to the invention is characterized by that it has a main chamber for assembling a middlebody with a fore end, and at least one side chamber communicating therewith and designed for assembling an aft end of a vessel. The side chamber is separated from the main chamber by an intermediate gate. The main chamber is divided by a separating gate into two areas: a building area in which the middlebody of the vessel is assembled with the fore end, and a launching area in which the vessel is completed and from which it is launched.

Abstract: The hull has a pair of laterally spaced pontoons which are rigidly interconnected by beams which extend between them at a level low enough that a barge will float over them. An elevator with a lifting and lowering mechanism is mounted on the hull with sling or cradle-like lifting bars. The lifting bars have upstanding posts which are shaped, sized and spaced to fit in the stacking post sockets conventionally provided in the hull bottoms of LASH barges. In a lower condition of the elevator, a barge will float over the bars. In a raised condition of the elevator, workers may stand on the hull pontoon decks and work on the sides of the barge and work on the bottom of the barge from scaffolding hanging under the lifting bars. For working on conventional river barges (which are longer than LASH barges) the lifting devices may be used in pairs.

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.