Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for lifting and stowing water-borne vessels. The systems and methods can be used, for example, to lift a small vessel, such an inflatable dinghy, onto a larger water-borne vessel equipped with an outboard motor; and to stow the dinghy above the outboard motor. The systems and methods permit the dinghy to be lifted out of the water from a position behind the larger vessel, with any need to remove, disassemble, or move the outboard motor.

Abstract: A device for parking vehicles includes a platform a synchronization traction element on each side on the platform. One end of each traction element is fixed in a first region of the platform, and another end of each traction element is fixed in an opposite second region of the platform. Each traction element has a first part in the first region of the platform, a second part along the platform, and a third part in the second region of the platform. Each traction element is guided by a roller, and the rollers are connected by a synchronization shaft.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for lifting and stowing water-borne vessels. The systems and methods can be used, for example, to lift a small vessel, such an inflatable dinghy, onto a larger water-borne vessel equipped with an outboard motor; and to stow the dinghy above the outboard motor. The systems and methods permit the dinghy to be lifted out of the water from a position behind the larger vessel, with any need to remove, disassemble, or move the outboard motor.

Abstract: A bunk mounting system for a watercraft lift comprising a first support defining first and second legs, a second support defining third and fourth legs, and first and second bunks. The bunk mounting system has first and second crossbeams, pivot connectors, and rail connectors. The pivot connectors pivotably connect the first crossbeam to the first and second legs and the second crossbeam to the third and fourth legs. The rail connectors detachably connect the first bunk to the first and second crossbeams and the second bunk to the first and second crossbeams.

Abstract: A portable automobile lift includes a plurality of portable lifting columns and a portable power unit. Each lifting column includes a column base, a post extending upwardly from the column base, a lifting carriage moveably mounted on a forward side of the post, and a hydraulic actuator connected to the lifting carriage for movement of the lifting carriage along the post. Each column base comprises a respective base plate connected to a lower end of the respective post. The base plate anchor bolt receiving holes extending therethrough for receiving respective anchor bolts. Each column base further includes a pair of wheels positioned to engage a ground surface rearward of the base plate for ease of portability of the columns. The lift also includes a safety lock assembly that automatically engages during upward movement of the lift to prevent unintentional lowering or falling of the lifting carriage.

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 wheelchair platform comprises a tilting platform for a wheelchair comprising a base to support the wheelchair in use and a back wall. The platform is pivotably connected between a pair of side supports in a compact construction. Actuators, such as hydraulic rams, are operable to tilt the platform. The pivot axis for the platform is forward of the back wall and above the base. The actuators are also forward of the back wall. The platform swings forward when tilting. The base may be hinged approximately half way along its length to allow the front half to be folded over for storage.

Abstract: A wheelchair platform comprises a tilting platform for a wheelchair comprising a base to support the wheelchair in use and a back wall. The platform is pivotably connected between a pair of side supports in a compact construction. Actuators, such as hydraulic rams are operable to tilt the platform. The pivot axis for the platform is forward of the back wall and above the base. The actuators are also forward of the back wall. The platform swings forward when tilting. The base may be hinged approximately half way along its length to allow the front half to be folded over for storage.

Abstract: A platform includes main transverse beams (“MTBs”), each supported by at least one hoist. It is determined whether a load on any MTB is different from the load on any other MTB by more than a predetermined amount. An MTB which has a load different from the load on any other MTB by more than a predetermined amount is selected and then vertically moved with respect to the other MTBs within a predetermined safety limit to transfer load between the selected MTB and the other MTBs while monitoring the loads on each MTB and the position of the selected MTB as vertical movement of the selected MTB proceeds. The monitored loads and position are compared with the safety limit; and the movement of the selected MTB stopped when either the desired load transfer is completed or the safety limit has been met.

Abstract: A platform includes main transverse beams (“MTBs”), each supported by at least one hoist. It is determined whether a load on any MTB is different from the load on any other MTB by more than a predetermined amount. An MTB which has a load different from the load on any other MTB by more than a predetermined amount is selected and then vertically moved with respect to the other MTBs within a predetermined safety limit to transfer load between the selected MTB and the other MTBs while monitoring the loads on each MTB and the position of the selected MTB as vertical movement of the selected MTB proceeds. The monitored loads and position are compared with the safety limit; and the movement of the selected MTB stopped when either the desired load transfer is completed or the safety limit has been met.

Abstract: A platform includes main transverse beams (“MTBs”), each supported by at least one hoist. It is determined whether a load on any MTB is different from the load on any other MTB by more than a predetermined amount. An MTB which has a load different from the load on any other MTB by more than a predetermined amount is selected and then vertically moved with respect to the other MTBs within a predetermined safety limit to transfer load between the selected MTB and the other MTBs while monitoring the loads on each MTB and the position of the selected MTB as vertical movement of the selected MTB proceeds. The monitored loads and position are compared with the safety limit; and the movement of the selected MTB stopped when either the desired load transfer is completed or the safety limit has been met.

Abstract: A wheelchair platform comprises a tilting platform for a wheelchair comprising a base to support the wheelchair in use and a back wall. The platform is pivotably connected between a pair of side supports in a compact construction. Actuators, such as hydraulic rams are operable to tilt the platform. The pivot axis for the platform is forward of the back wall and above the base. The actuators are also forward of the back wall. The platform swings forward when tilting. The base may be hinged approximately half way along its length to allow the front half to be folded over for storage.

Abstract: A wheelchair lifting bay comprising base means, a lifting platform, lifting means and pivot means, in which the lifting platform is connected to the base means by the pivot means, in which the lifting platform comprises a bottom wall and a back wall, in which the pivot means is disposed rearward of said back wall and is spaced apart from it, in which the lifting means is mounted between the base means and the lifting platform forward of the pivot means, and in which the lifting means rotates the lifting platform about the pivot means in use such that the back wall follows a circumferential path about the pivot means.

Abstract: A rotatable apparatus for repairing and restoring vehicle body shells including a pair of vertically positioned hoops placed in a parallel relation mounted to the body shell for rotation about a horizontal axis. A plurality of connecting members attached in a spoke-like manner to support the body shell. A pair of generally stationary roller-bases supports the hoop assembly and facilitates rotation. The roller-bases include foot-operated brakes to prevent rotation of the assembly. A jacking-arm device facilitates the transfer of the assembly from the roller-bases to the removably connected upright rolling supports for traversing an area.

Abstract: A platform includes main transverse beams (“MTBs”), each supported by at least one hoist. It is determined whether a load on any MTB is different from the load on any other MTB by more than a predetermined amount. An MTB which has a load different from the load on any other MTB by more than a predetermined amount is selected and then vertically moved with respect to the other MTBs within a predetermined safety limit to transfer load between the selected MTB and the other MTBs while monitoring the loads on each MTB and the position of the selected MTB as vertical movement of the selected MTB proceeds. The monitored loads and position are compared with the safety limit; and the movement of the selected MTB stopped when either the desired load transfer is completed or the safety limit has been met.

Abstract: This invention relates to a side to side article moving device that is capable of lifting an object and then moving it side to side. The device is designed to be attached under an article, such as a motor vehicle, piece of equipment, trailer or other object that ordinarily would not be capable of lateral or circular motion within confined areas. The device allows a user to remotely lift an object and move it side to side from a vantage point that is both safe and efficacious for the intended move.

Abstract: A wheeled chair apparatus is adapted for connection with an elevatable stand, such as a hydraulic stand, and the subject wheeled chair apparatus includes a wheeled chair unit which includes a seat portion and a reclinable seat back portion connected to the seat portion. A wheel assembly is connected to the seat portion, and elevatable stand attachment means are connected to a bottom side of the seat portion. The elevatable stand attachment means are adapted for connection with the elevatable stand. By using the elevatable-stand-adapted, wheeled chair apparatus of the invention, substantial amounts of time, effort, and stress on a person in the wheeled chair are reduced in carrying out a cosmetological activity on the person, when compared with conventional procedures for handling a person in a wheeled chair when carrying out a cosmetological activity.

Abstract: A moving platform system with a base firmly anchored to a supporting surface and an upright structural member extending therefrom. A bifurcated arms assembly is mounted to the distal end of the structural member supporting a cross bar assembly. The bifurcated arms assembly includes two outwardly extending arms that support two of the four legs of the cross bar assembly. The other two legs support the platform that in turn supports the object being displayed or used as an entertainment structure. An electric motor is used to provide rotational movement to two wheels of different diameters. The wheels are pivotally connected to linkage arms at an offcentered position that provide the reciprocating sinusoidal movement to the platform with different frequency characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a trailer system, and particularly to a self-driving trailer system for a radiation imaging inspection system and a method for inspecting a vehicle by radiation imaging of a vehicle through the trailer system. The self-driving trailer system comprises two trailers symmetrical in structure. Each of the trailers comprises a driving device, running wheels, a trailer body, a carrying device, a lift cylinder, a balance wheel, and two pairs of guide wheels. The driving device, the running wheels, and the balance wheel are coupled with the trailer body. The carrying device is coupled with the trailer body through the lift cylinder. A front carrying arm and a rear carrying arm can clamp front wheels of a vehicle under inspection, and move upwards and downwards by the lift cylinder.

Abstract: An improved boat lift with an hydraulically-powered jack is provided with a locking mechanism, not only for maintaining the lift in its raised position when water pressure in the jack cylinder is released, but also to make it difficult or impossible to unlock by a potential thief or vandal. In accordance with the present invention, this object is achieved by providing a pawl member that engages a recess in the piston shaft that can be removed only with water pressure applied through an attached hose. Access to the water supply should be restricted for purposes of security. The pawl member is attached by a pivoting flap to the end of the cylinder from which the piston emerges. The flap has a flat underside so that water pressure directed against it will easily dislodge it from a recess.

Abstract: A watercraft lift with translating bunks supported by a base frame and having rollers mounted to the base frame to initially raises the watercraft upward when driven onto the lift sufficiently to be positioned above the bunks when in their lowered position and thereby permit operation of the lift in water too shallow for use of the bunks by themselves. The rollers are positioned relative to the translating bunks such that when the bunks are in their lowered position and the lift is used in sufficiently shallow water, the watercraft driven onto the lift initially engages the rollers, which lift the watercraft upward above the height when floating in the water and above the height of the bunks. The translating bunks are then used to lift the watercraft off of the rollers and upward to a raised position above the water.

Abstract: An improved winch assembly adaptably configured for use with a new or existing lift structure suitably dedicated for short- and long-term storage of a recreational boat and related watercraft. The winch assembly comprises three drive assemblies housed and mounted within a chassis. The first drive assembly comprises a first plate sprocket and a pair of cable guards collectively mounted onto a cable hub to form a spool assembly for accepting and winding thereon a predetermined length of cabling. The second drive assembly comprises a stepped hub having three discrete cylindrical surfaces to form first and second annular walls for mounting thereagainst primary and secondary plate sprockets and an inner bore extending therethrough for receiving therein an intermediate axle having ends affixed to the chassis, wherein the primary plate sprocket is connectively coupled with the first plate sprocket by a drive chain.

Abstract: A floating low profile watercraft lifting apparatus comprises a buoyant support apparatus and a watercraft lift attached to the buoyant support apparatus. Embodiments of the lift have 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. Embodiments of the support apparatus comprise pontoons within a frame attached to the lift and providing buoyant support for the lifting apparatus.

Abstract: A convertible wheelchair is provided along with a separable lift module for engaging and elevating the convertible wheelchair to a selected elevation. A coupling assembly is operative associated with the lift module and adapted to extend therefrom to where the coupling assembly attaches to the convertible wheelchair. In one embodiment, the coupling assembly comprises a three-point attachment that results in the wheelchair being connected to the coupling assembly and hence the separable lift system at three points. Once coupled to the lift system, the convertible wheelchair, with a patient supported therein, can be raised to a selected elevation. Thereafter, the wheelchair can be converted from a chair configuration to any one of several examination configurations.

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 wheelchair lifting apparatus for raising, lowering, and tilting a wheelchair to allow a hairdresser to work on a person's hair while sitting in a wheelchair. The wheelchair lifting apparatus includes a base member for resting upon a floor; and also includes a lift assembly being mounted upon the base member and including hydraulic members, and also including a lift lever being movably disposed in the base member for moving the hydraulic members vertically, and further including a tilt lever being movably disposed in the base member for independently moving the hydraulic members vertically; and further including a bracket assembly being mounted upon the hydraulic members for fastening a wheelchair to the hydraulic members.

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: A tilting platform for roll testing automotive vehicles rotates the automotive vehicle so that data can be collected to determine various roll characteristics of the vehicle. The tilting platform includes a support platform that is pivotally attached to a floor hoist. A pivot pin is positioned away from the midpoint of the support platform so that a distal end of the support platform rotates downward and a proximal end rotates upward when the floor hoist is raised.

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 reclining support for a wheelchair includes a supporting platform wall that supports all four wheels of a wheelchair on a surface, and which has a backstop wall for stopping the large rear wheels of a wheelchair so that the wheelchair is stably supported on the platform. Clamps are used for holding the frame on the platform, so that the wheelchair does not move. The platform is mounted onto a base frame through a pivot mounting so it can be tilted rearwardly, and also the platform is adjustable in a vertical direction relative to the base frame. The base frame has four wheels for stably supporting the platform.

Abstract: A rocking station includes a frame in which there is a powered rocking board onto which are fed objects to be rocked. The board is supported on the floor supports arranged near its two opposite ends with the supports defining two parallel rotation axes of the board with each one near one of the opposite ends and transversal to the board. On each side of the board there is a chain defining two main lifting branches with each main branch being arranged between one part of the frame above the board and couplings to the board being arranged near one of the opposite ends of the board. A motor causes the chains to run on command in one or the other direction to alternately place one main branch or the other under tension and lift the corresponding board end by rotating the board around the rotation axis near the opposite end.

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 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: A rocking station comprises a frame (17) in which there is a powered rocking board (14) onto which are fed objects to be rocked. The board (14) is supported on the floor on supports (20,21) arranged near its two opposite ends with the supports (20,21) defining two parallel rotation axes of the board with each one near one of said opposite ends and transversal to the board. On each side of the board there is a chain (24) defining two main lifting branches (39,40) with each main branch being arranged between one part of the frame (17) above the board and couplings (22,23) to the board being arranged near one of said opposite ends of the board. A motor (30) causes the chains to run on command in one or the other direction to alternately place one main branch or the other under tension and lift the corresponding board end by rotating the board around the rotation axis near the opposite end.

Abstract: A combination boat trailer and lift includes an elongated base frame with forward and rear ends, a hitch assembly and an axle and wheel assembly to facilitate towing behind an automobile over land. An elongated, collapsible upper frame having front and back ends is cooperatively coupled to the base frame through a plurality of spaced apart elongated coupling arms, each arm of which is pivotally attached at one end to the base frame and at its other end to the upper frame. The upper frame is longitudinally and vertically displaceable with respect to the base frame in a pivotal mode on the coupling arms between an extreme lowered position and an extreme raised position such that the rearwardmost displacement of the upper frame corresponds to the extreme lowered position and forward movement of the upper frame from its extreme lowered position moves the upper frame toward its extreme raised position. A winch and cable system draws the upper frame at least toward its extreme raised position.

Abstract: A vehicle side tilting apparatus having strap-on wheel rockers to attach to wheels at one side of a vehicle and lift structure to elevate the other side of the vehicle and to roll the vehicle on the wheel rockers until the raised side of the vehicle is upright or slightly over center, where it is held even after removal of the lift structure and during movement of the tilted vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for comfortably tilting a wheelchair and its occupant to a reclining position such as required for receiving common services such as having their hair done or dental work performed.

Abstract: A motorcycle erector device that erects a motorcycle lying on its side and does not require the operator-driver to exert any lifting effort. The motorcycle erector device is self-contained, self-powered and is carried on a motorcycle as part of the motorcycle's baggage without degrading the ride characteristics or control dynamics of the motorcycle. Light-weight, small size it is packed into small duffel that is quickly lashed to the motorcycle at any convenient location. It will not mar the finish of the motorcycle or damage the motorcycle when used to erect the motorcycle lying on its side. No modifications to the motorcycle are required. The motorcycle erector device forms a stable 3-point configuration during and subsequent to the erecting process. After use it is repacked into the small duffel.

Abstract: A hydraulic lift for raising a boat out of water into a raised storage position is proposed. Pivoting booms are connected to a frame that is supportable by a bed of a body of water. A boat rack is provided at an upper portion of the pivoting booms. A hydraulic cylinder is connected between the frame and a lower portion of the pivoting booms. The pivoting booms are selectively adjustable between a lowered position wherein the rack is submerged in the water and a raised storage position wherein the rack is raised above the water. The position of the pivoting booms is controlled by a ram of the hydraulic cylinder. Importantly, the pivoting booms are maintained in the raised storage position when the ram is in a retracted position which protects the ram from corrosion and fouling. In the preferred embodiment, the pivoting booms are rotated over center when they are in the raised storage position.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for receiving a wheelchair and its seated occupant and tilting the wheelchair rearwardly into a position in which the seated occupant is disposed in a substantially reclined, supported condition for therapeutic and other advantageous reasons. To accomplish this, the wheelchair tilting apparatus utilizes a base frame arranged for placement on a ground surface, the base frame pivotally mounting the rear end of a wheelchair supporting tilt frame assembly having an upstanding backrest member arranged to support the chair and occupant reclined thereagainst when the apparatus is in operative, tilted condition.

Abstract: A carrier for a vessel which has a front support carriage and a rear support carriage removably attached to the vessel, the entire assembly cooperating to form an integral transport structure. Each support carriage is independently attached to the vessel and provides an independent mechanism for raising and lowering the respective ends of the vessel. The carrier is particularly adaptable for use with commonly available propane tanks and each carriage can be attached using commonly available chains and hooks. The assembled transport carrier can be used to transport vessels manually, or can be easily adapted for use with a towing vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle side tilting apparatus having strap-on wheel rockers to attach to wheels at one side of a vehicle and lift structure to elevate the other side of the vehicle and to roll the vehicle on the wheel rockers until the raised side of the vehicle is upright or slightly over center, where it is held even after removal of the lift structure and during movement of the tilted vehicle.

Abstract: A lifting and swivelling apparatus for objects, in particular for motor vehicles and the like, includes substantially horizontally extending tie rods (28) and a clamping frame (4, 5), which can pivot about a substantially horizontal axis of the tie rods, and a lifting device (24) which can pivot about a substantially horizontal axis of the tie rods (28) and is connected in an articulated manner to the clamping frame (4, 5) via a holding member (23) which is displaceable along said lifting device, the holding member (23) being designed to be displaceable along the lifting device (24) by an actuating device and to be locked in position at any point desired, wherein the clamping frame (4, 5), on its side facing away from the lifting device, is provided with a supporting frame (15) which is curved substantially through 90.degree. and subsequently continues rectilinearly, and in that fastening member (10, 14) are provided on the clamping frame (4, 5) to lock the object to be tilted in position.

Abstract: The lifting and tilting device includes fluid actuated bellows type of lifting motors which lift and tilt a container with respect to a base. The lifting motors are supported by pairs of scissor mechanisms which pivot with respect to one another when the lifting motors expand and contract. The scissor mechanisms are partially slidable with respect to the base and the container to permit raising and lowering of the container. The container is designed to receive material at a certain level and then dispense of the material at the same or different level. The fluid preferably used is air.

Abstract: A vehicle tilting apparatus for rotating a vehicle for servicing or repair is disclosed. A support assembly is pivotally mounted on a base frame assembly. The support assembly includes a lifting assembly having a pair of spaced lift members. Support platforms for supporting the vehicle are pivotally mounted on one of the lift members. An over center locking assembly is mounted on the other lift member to releasably lock the support platform to the lift member.

Abstract: To provide convenient positioning of a subject in a wheelchair, the apparatus has a wheelchair support bucket with two wheel tubs which are connected by an axle. The wheelchair is pivotable in the bucket about the axle for tilting of the occupant. The axle is mounted to a frame which is elevatable on bearings, and the frame runs horizontally on tracks, and is rotatable. The bucket tubs have semi-cylindrical surfaces which position the wheelchair with the wheelchair brace frontward of the housing. The movement mechanism is thus able to be compactly positioned with respect the wheelchair, for convenient positioning of subjects for hair care, dentistry, or other operations. Tilt locks are provided on each bucket tub to passively prevent the egress of a wheelchair from an elevated or tilted bucket.

Abstract: A boat lift includes a vertical main post mounted on a dock, the lower end of the main post inserted into a body of water adjacent the dock and with the lower end spaced above the floor of the water. A frame includes an outer guide post having a base mounted on the water floor with an upper end above the water level; the frame connected by a single member to the main post. A platform unit for supporting a small boat is slidably connected at both ends to the main post and the guide post, and a cable and winch unit is interconnected among the foregoing elements for effecting a level lifting and lowering of the platform unit into and out of the water.

Abstract: A new and improved wheelchair tilting apparatus includes a base assembly and a wheelchair receiving assembly supported by the base assembly. The wheelchair receiving assembly includes a first platform portion and a first frame assembly supporting the first platform portion. The wheelchair receiving assembly also includes a second platform portion and a second frame assembly supporting the second platform portion. The first and second frame assemblies are connected to each other and oriented with respect to each other at a predetermined obtuse angle, such that the first and second platform portions are oriented with respect to each other at the predetermined obtuse angle. A tilt assembly is supported by the base assembly and is provided for tilting the wheelchair receiving assembly after a wheelchair is received in the wheelchair receiving assembly.

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.