Daniel B Dolan

US Patent:

61961515, Mar 6, 2001

Filed:

Nov 16, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/193055

Inventors:

Robert G. Grant - San Francisco CA
Richard C. Lundberg - Larkspur CA
Daniel K. Dolan - Pleasant Hill CA

Assignee:

Bechtel Group, Inc. - San Francisco CA

International Classification:

B63B 3544

US Classification:

114266

Abstract:

A floating platform uses a plurality of modules to define a substantially continuous surface between at least two of the modules. In one embodiment, each module is substantially independently positioned. Relative positioning elements on the modules place the modules in a configuration maintaining a surface between two adjacent modules in a substantially continuous configuration. Preferably, the platform includes a runway connector spanning an operational distance between the modules. The connector preferably has an upper surface allowing for aircraft or wheeled vehicles to roll from the end of one module to an adjacent end of another module while the modules are free to move in all six degrees of freedom. Preferably, the runway connector will not hold the modules in position, instead relying on thrusters to maintain position. The runway connector may have an end surface maintained substantially in alignment and contact with a module end surface.