Magnetic coupling system for floating structures

Abstract

A magnetic coupling system is provided, comprising: magnetic coupling assemblies comprising: a magnet rotatably coupled to a mounting bracket; upper and lower lateral linkages including a link connected between an inner pivot joint and an outer pivot joint connected to the mounting bracket; and upper and lower shock assemblies including a shock connected between an inner pivot joint and an outer pivot joint connected to the mounting bracket; and a capture brace configured to mount to the floating structure, comprising: a bar including pivot brackets configured to mount to the floating structure; and capture plates connected to the bar; wherein the magnetic coupling assemblies are spaced apart to correspond to a spacing between the capture plates such that when the magnet is activated, the magnetic coupling assemblies magnetically couple to the capture plates.

Description

MAGNETIC COUPLING SYSTEM FOR FLOATING STRUCTURESRELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application relates to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 637,309, filed April 22, 2024, titled MAGNETIC COUPLING SYSTEM FOR FLOATING STRUCTURES, the entire disclosure of which being expressly incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to magnetic coupling systems for providing a magnetic connection between an aquatic vessel and a floating structure.BACKGROUND

[0003] Various applications exist wherein an aquatic vessel is used to move and position a floating structure. Exemplary aquatic vessels include boats and exemplary floating structures include barges, boats, and other vessels which move people and / or goods across the water. In many such applications, the vessel couples to the floating structure to improve the vessel’s ability to maneuver the floating structure in forward, reverse and side-to-side directions. In certain applications, it is desirable to avoid the need for crew members of the vessel to be present on the bow or other boundary portions of the vessel to couple and decouple the vessel and the floating structure. As the vessel and / or the floating structure are often very massive and are positioned on an ever-changing support (i.e. , water) which alters the height and angular position of the vessel and / or the floating structure, manual involvement in coupling and decoupling presents significant safety concerns. Along with difficulty in the coupling and decoupling due to the motion of the water supporting each of the vessel and the floating structure, in certainapplications it is desired to not expose crew members to a line of sight from the surrounding environment whereby they may be struck, such as by projectiles.

[0004] The typical mass of the vessel and the floating structure require substantial coupling force to maintain a connection between the vessel and the floating structure. Additionally, in many applications both the vessel and the floating structure are subjected to forces such as those from waves, current, wind, etc., which increase the difficulty in maintaining a connection between the vessel and the floating structure.

[0005] Accordingly, there exists a need to provide a coupling system that permits automatic coupling between a vessel and a floating structure (i.e. , without jeopardizing the safety of crew members) and / or that provides a robust and substantial coupling connection that may withstand the forces involved in moving the floating structure over the water.SUMMARY

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a magnetic coupling system for magnetically coupling a vessel to a floating structure is provided. The magnetic coupling system comprising a pair of magnetic coupling assemblies. The magnetic coupling assemblies each comprising at least one magnet assembly rotatably coupled to a mounting bracket; upper and lower lateral linkages each including a link connected between an inner pivot joint configured to mount to the vessel and an outer pivot joint connected to a rear wall of the mounting bracket; and upper and lower shock assemblies each including a shock connected between an inner pivot joint configured to mount to the vessel and an outer pivot joint connected to the rear wall of the mounting bracket. The magnetic coupling system further comprising a capture brace configured to mount to the floating structure. The capture brace comprising a central bar including a pair of pivot brackets configured to mount to a corresponding pair of hard points on the floating structure and a pair ofcapture plate assemblies connected to the central bar and formed from ferromagnetic material. The pair of magnetic coupling assemblies are spaced apart to correspond to a spacing between the pair of capture plate assemblies such that when the at least one magnet assembly of the pair of magnetic coupling assemblies is / are activated, the pair of magnetic coupling assemblies magnetically couple to the pair of capture plate assemblies to couple the vessel to the floating structure.

[0007] In an example thereof, the at least one magnet assembly of each of the pair of magnetic coupling assemblies includes a docking cone configured to align with a recess formed into a flat plate of each of the pair of capture plate assemblies.

[0008] In another example thereof, the inner pivot joint of each of the upper and lower lateral linkages is configured to mount to a side wall of the vessel. The inner pivot joint of the upper shock assembly is configured to mount to an upper wall of the vessel. The inner pivot joint of the lower shock assembly is configured to mount to the side wall of the vessel.

[0009] In a further example thereof, each of the pair of capture plate assemblies includes a top brace having a stop wall positioned to engage a rub rail of the floating structure to counter movement created when the vessel pulls the floating structure in a reverse direction.

[0010] In yet another example thereof, each of the pair of magnetic coupling assemblies includes a housing. The at least one magnet assembly being coupled to the housing. The housing including an upper wall and a lower wall coupled to an upper tilt wall and a lower tilt wall, respectively, connected to an inner surface of the rear wall of the mounting bracket to permit rotational movement of the housing relative to the mounting bracket.

[0011] In a further still example thereof, the inner pivot joints of the upper and lower lateral linkages are connected to a linkage bracket configured to mount to the vessel. In a variation thereof, the linkage bracket includes a support assembly pivotally coupled to the inner pivot joints of the upper and lower lateral linkages, anupper mounting bracket connected to an upper end of the support assembly and configured to mount to the vessel, and a lower mounting bracket connected to a lower end of the support assembly and configured to mount to the vessel.

[0012] In another still example thereof, the upper and lower lateral linkages permit for-aft travel of the pair of magnetic coupling assemblies relative to the vessel.

[0013] In yet still a further example thereof, the upper and lower shock assemblies permit vertical movement of the mounting bracket relative to the vessel.

[0014] In a further still example thereof, the upper and lower lateral linkages and the upper and lower shock assemblies permit rotational motion of the mounting bracket about a lateral axis.

[0015] In another exemplary embodiment thereof, a magnetic coupling system for automatically providing a magnetic connection between a vessel and a floating structure is provided. The magnetic coupling system comprising at least one magnetic coupling device configured to mount to the vessel and a capture brace configured to mount to the floating structure. The at least one magnetic coupling device including at least one magnetic coupling assembly comprising at least one magnet assembly mounted to a magnet housing; a mounting bracket rotatably coupled to the magnet housing; an upper lateral linkage including a first link connected between an upper inner pivot joint configured to mount to the vessel and an upper outer pivot joint connected to the mounting bracket; a lower lateral linkage including a second link connected between a lower inner pivot joint configured to mount to the vessel and a lower outer pivot joint connected to the mounting bracket; an upper shock assembly including a first shock connected between an upper inner pivot joint configured to mount to the vessel and an upper outer pivot joint connected to the mounting bracket; and a lower shock assembly including a second shock connected between a lower inner pivot joint configured to mount to the vessel and a lower outer pivot joint connected to the mounting bracket. The capture brace comprising an elongated central bar including a pair of pivot brackets configured tomount to a corresponding pair of hard points attached to the floating structure and at least one capture plate assembly connected to the elongated central bar and including a capture plate formed from ferromagnetic material. The at least one magnetic coupling assembly is positioned to align with the at least one capture plate assembly such that when the vessel approaches the floating structure and the at least one magnet assembly of the at least one magnetic coupling assembly is activated. The at least one magnetic coupling assembly magnetically couples to the at least one capture plate assembly to couple the vessel to the floating structure.

[0016] In an example thereof, the mounting bracket includes a rear wall and at least one tilt wall connected to the rear wall and rotatably coupled to the magnet housing. In a variation thereof, the upper outer pivot joint of the upper lateral linkage, the lower outer pivot joint of the lower lateral linkage, the upper outer pivot joint of the upper shock assembly and the lower outer pivot joint of the lower shock assembly are connected to the rear wall of the mounting bracket.

[0017] In another example thereof, the at least one magnet assembly of the at least one magnetic coupling assembly includes a docking cone configured to align with a recess formed into a flat plate of the at least one capture plate assembly.

[0018] In yet another example thereof, the upper inner pivot joint of the upper lateral linkage and the lower inner pivot joint of the lower lateral linkage are configured to mount to a side wall of the vessel, the upper inner pivot joint of the upper shock assembly is configured to mount to an upper wall of the vessel, and the lower inner pivot joint of the lower shock assembly is configured to mount to the side wall of the vessel.

[0019] In still another example thereof, the at least one capture plate assembly includes a top brace having a stop wall positioned to engage a rub rail of the floating structure to counter movement created when the vessel pulls the floating structure in a reverse direction.

[0020] In a further example thereof, the at least one magnetic coupling assembly includes a housing, the at least one magnet assembly being coupled to the housing, and the housing including an upper wall and a lower wall coupled to an upper tilt wall and a lower tilt wall, respectively, connected to an inner surface of a rear wall of the mounting bracket to permit rotational movement of the housing relative to the mounting bracket.

[0021] In still another example thereof, the upper and lower lateral linkages permit for-aft travel of the at least one magnetic coupling assembly relative to the vessel.

[0022] In yet a further still example thereof, the upper and lower shock assemblies permit vertical movement of the mounting bracket relative to the vessel.

[0023] In another still example thereof, the upper and lower lateral linkages and the upper and lower shock assemblies permit rotational motion of the mounting bracket about a lateral axis.

[0024] In a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a magnetic coupling system for magnetically coupling a vessel to a floating structure is provided. The magnetic coupling system comprising at least one magnetic coupling assembly and a capture brace configured to mount to the floating structure. The at least one magnetic coupling assembly comprising: at least one magnet assembly mounted to a housing; a mounting bracket rotatably coupled to the housing; upper and lower lateral linkages each extending between the vessel and the mounting bracket; and upper and lower shock assemblies each extending between the vessel and the mounting bracket. The capture brace comprising a central bar configured to mount to at least one hard point attached to the floating structure and at least one capture plate assembly connected to the central bar and formed from ferromagnetic material. The at least one magnetic coupling assembly is positioned to align with the at least one capture plate assembly such that when the vessel approaches the floating structure and the at least one magnet assembly is activated. The at leastone magnetic coupling assembly magnetically couple to the at least one capture plate assembly to couple the vessel to the floating structure.

[0025] In an example thereof, the at least one magnet assembly includes a docking cone configured to align with a recess formed into the at least one capture plate assembly.

[0026] In another example thereof, each of the upper lateral linkage and the lower lateral linkage includes an inner pivot joint configured to mount to a side wall of the vessel, the upper shock assembly includes an inner pivot joint configured to mount to an upper wall of the vessel, and the lower shock assembly includes an inner pivot joint configured to mount to the side wall of the vessel.

[0027] In a further example thereof, the upper and lower lateral linkages permit for-aft travel of the at least one magnetic coupling assembly relative to the vessel.

[0028] In yet another example thereof, the upper and lower shock assemblies permit vertical movement of the mounting bracket relative to the vessel.

[0029] In still another example thereof, the upper and lower lateral linkages and the upper and lower shock assemblies permit rotational motion of the mounting bracket about a lateral axis.

[0030] Other aspects and optional and / or preferred embodiments will become apparent from the following description provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and will be better understood by reference to the following description of exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagrammatic top view of a vessel contacting a bridge section including two bays;

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagrammatic top view of a vessel contacting a bridge section including three bays;

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of an exemplary magnetic coupling system according to the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the exemplary magnetic coupling system of FIG. 3;

[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the magnetic coupling assemblies depicted in FIG. 3 attached to a vessel;

[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of one of the magnetic coupling assemblies depicted in FIG. 5;

[0038] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of one of the magnetic coupling assemblies depicted in FIG. 5;

[0039] FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of one of the magnetic coupling assemblies depicted in FIG. 5;

[0040] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the capture brace depicted in FIG. 3;

[0041] FIG. 10 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the capture brace depicted in FIG. 9;

[0042] FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the capture brace depicted in FIG. 9;

[0043] FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of an exemplary magnetic coupling system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the exemplary magnetic coupling system of FIG. 12;

[0045] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of the magnetic coupling assemblies depicted in FIG. 12 attached to a vessel;

[0046] FIG. 15 illustrates a top view of one of the magnetic coupling assemblies depicted in FIG. 15;

[0047] FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of one of the magnetic coupling assemblies depicted in FIG. 15;

[0048] FIG. 17 illustrates a front view of one of the magnetic coupling assemblies depicted in FIG. 15;

[0049] FIG. 18A illustrates a perspective view of a linkage bracket of the exemplary magnetic coupling assemblies of the present disclosure;

[0050] FIG. 18B illustrates a perspective view of a mounting bracket of the exemplary magnetic coupling assemblies of the present disclosure;

[0051] FIG. 18C illustrates a perspective view of an inner pivot joint of an upper shock assembly of the exemplary magnetic coupling assemblies of the present disclosure;

[0052] FIG. 18D illustrates a perspective view of an inner pivot joint of a lower shock assembly of the exemplary magnetic coupling assemblies of the present disclosure;

[0053] FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of the capture brace depicted in FIG. 12;

[0054] FIG. 20 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the capture brace depicted in FIG. 19;

[0055] FIG. 21 illustrates a side view of the capture brace depicted in FIG. 19;

[0056] FIG. 22 illustrates a hydraulic schematic of the exemplary magnetic coupling systems of the present disclosure; and

[0057] FIG. 23 illustrates an electrical schematic of the exemplary magnetic coupling systems of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which are described below. The embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the present disclosure to the precise form disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings. Therefore, no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended.Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0059] The terms "couples," "coupled," "coupler" and variations thereof are used to include both arrangements wherein the two or more components are in direct physical contact and arrangements wherein the two or more components are not in direct contact with each other (e.g., the components are "coupled" via at least a third component), but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.

[0060] In some instances throughout this disclosure and in the claims, numeric terminology, such as first, second, third, and fourth, is used in reference to various components or features. Such use is not intended to denote an ordering of the components or features. Rather, numeric terminology is used to assist the reader in identifying the component or features being referenced and should not be narrowly interpreted as providing a specific order of components or features.

[0061] In the examples described below, a magnetic coupling system is described for coupling and decoupling a vessel such as a bridge erection boat and a floating structure such as a bridge section for improved wide wet gap crossings. The principles of the present disclosure are not limited to such applications and the examples are merely exemplary. Many other applications exist where there is a need to provide automatic coupling between an aquatic vessel and a floatingstructure, and those applications are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0062] Referring now to FIG. 1 , an exemplary aquatic vessel 10, illustratively a boat, is shown coupled to an exemplary floating structure, illustratively a bridge section 12 to move the bridge section 12 over the water to a desired location. The coupling system between the vessel 10 and the bridge section 12 is the primary subject of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the coupling system is configured to maintain a connection between the vessel 10 and the bridge section 12 under water conditions such as waves up to one meter in height with a period of up to seven seconds, and in a water current of up to three meters / second. It is not necessary for the present disclosure to describe the many components that are included in the vessel 10 and / or the bridge section 12. In general, the vessel 10 includes a hull 14 having a bow 16 where the magnetic capture device (“MOD”) of the present disclosure is mounted as is further described below. In embodiments, the MOD may be coupled to one or more of the stern, the port side, the starboard side or include multiple instances of the MCDs on at least two of the bow 16, the stern, the port side, and the starboard side of the vessel 10.

[0063] The bridge section 12 in the example depicted in FIG. 1 includes two bays 18. The coupling system of the present disclosure may be used to move bridge sections having any number of bays, including but not limited to one bay, two bays, or three bays. To provide context for the exemplary application, each bay 18 may be more than six meters long and each unladen bay 18 may weigh approximately 1 ,900 pounds. Thus, bridge sections 12 of even just one bay 18 present substantial resistance to motion, especially when being moved over water with a relatively fast current.

[0064] Each bay 18 includes an upper driving surface 20, a pair of sides 22, a pair of ends 24 and a lower surface (not shown) where one or more buoyancy devices (e.g., pontoons; not shown) are located to cause the bay 18 to float on thewater. In this example, one end 24 of one of the bays 18 is connected to one end 24 of the other bay 18 at a joint 26. As shown, the vessel 10 is coupled to the right bay 18 such that a central longitudinal axis 30 of the vessel 10 is substantially aligned with a central lateral axis 32 of the bay 18. As is further described below, the MCD of the present disclosure couples to and decouples from a capture brace connected to the rub rail 28 of the bridge section 12.

[0065] As is also further described herein, the MCD of the present disclosure is subjected to a variety of forces when connected to the bridge section 12 as a result of movement of the vessel 10 (i.e., pushing the bridge section 12 in the forward direction 34 and pulling the bridge section 12 in the reverse direction 36) and movement of the water (i.e., current and waves). When the left bay 18 is connected to the right bay 18, the left bay 18 creates a lever arm and the force F1 on the left bay 18 resulting from movement of the bridge section 12 in the forward direction generates a moment M1 about the center point CP of the connection between the vessel 10 and the bridge section 12. Similarly, when the vessel 10 is pulling the bridge section 12 in the reverse direction 36, the force F2 on the left bay 18 generates a moment M2 about the center point CP. These forces are also accommodated by the manner in which the MCD on the vessel 10 is coupled to the capture brace on the bridge section 12 as is further described below.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 2, another example of the vessel 10 being connected to a bridge section 12’ is shown. In this example, the bridge section 12’ includes three bays 18. As such, the bridge section 12’ is heavier than the bridge section 12 of FIG. 1 , but the forces applied to the connection between the MCD and the capture brace are substantially balanced on either side of the central longitudinal axis 30 of the vessel 10 and the central lateral axis 32 of the center bay 18 to which the MCD is coupled.

[0067] Referring now to FIG. 3, one embodiment of the coupling system 40 of the present disclosure, including an MCD 42 and the capture brace 44, is depicted inmore detail. The MCD 42 generally includes a pair of magnetic coupling assemblies 46, 48, each connected to a respective angled side wall 17 of the bow 16 of the vessel 10, and the capture brace 44 generally includes a mount 50 that carries a pair of capture plate assemblies 52, 54 which magnetically couple to the magnetic coupling assemblies 46, 48 as is described below. The mount 50 of the capture brace 44 is connected to a pair of hard points 56, 58 of the rub rail 28 of the bridge section 12 as is further described below. The hard points 56, 58 are existing mounting locations for rafting brackets used during normal rafting operations. As shown, when the magnetic coupling assemblies 46, 48 of the MCD 42 are magnetically coupled to the capture plate assemblies 52, 54 of the capture brace 44, a front wall 15 of the bow 16 of the vessel 10 is positioned such that a pair of vertical push knees 60 mounted to the front wall 15 are in contact with the mount 50 of the capture brace 44 and the rub rail 28 of the bridge section 12. As the vessel 10 moves forward toward the bridge section 12, the vessel 10 transfers a pushing force through the vertical push knees 60 and the mount 50 and the rub rail 28 to the bridge section 12, thereby moving the bridge section 12 in the forward direction. When the vessel 10 moves in reverse, away from the bridge section 12, the vessel 10 transfers a pulling force through the magnetic coupling assemblies 46, 48 and the capture plate assemblies 52, 54 to the bridge section 12, thereby moving the bridge section 12 in the reverse direction.

[0068] In embodiments, when the magnetic coupling assemblies 46, 48 of the MCD 42 are magnetically coupled to the capture plate assemblies 52, 54 of the capture brace 44, a front wall 15 of the bow 16 of the vessel 10 is adjacent but spaced apart from the mount 50 of the capture brace 44 and the rub rail 28 of the bridge section 12. Once the vessel 10 is moved forward toward the bridge section 12, the magnetic coupling assemblies 46, 48 move rearward such that the pair of vertical push knees 60 mounted to the front wall 15 of the vessel 10 come intocontact with the mount 50 of the capture brace 44 and the rub rail 28 of the bridge section 12.

[0069] FIG. 4 provides a more detailed view of one of the magnetic coupling assemblies 46 of the MCD 42 and one of the capture plate assemblies 52 of the capture brace 44. The magnetic coupling assemblies 46, 48 are mirror images of each other so the components of the magnetic coupling assembly 46, 48 described below are present in each of the magnetic coupling assemblies 46, 48. The magnetic coupling assembly 46 generally includes a magnet assembly 62 (FIG. 5), a magnet housing 64 partially containing the magnet assembly 62, a mounting bracket 66 coupled to the magnet housing 64, an upper lateral linkage 68 and a lower lateral linkage 70 (FIG. 5), each extending between the mounting bracket 66 and an angled side wall 17 of the bow 16 of the vessel 10, and an upper shock assembly 72 and a lower shock assembly 74, each extending between the mounting bracket 66 and the angled side wall 17. The capture plate assembly 52 generally includes a top brace 76, a support arm 78, and a capture plate 80. Each of these components is described in greater detail below.

[0070] While the magnetic coupling assemblies 46, 48 and the capture plate assemblies 52, 54 of the capture brace 44 are described herein as being movable in a variety of different directions, they are nonetheless positioned at a substantially fixed height relative to the anticipated surface of the water (e.g., based on assumptions of the normal operating draft of the vessel 10 and the unladen draft of the bridge section 12). It should be understood, however, that the magnetic coupling assemblies 46, 48 and the capture plate assemblies 52, 54 may, in other embodiments, be mounted to the vessel 10 and the bridge section 12, respectively, such that their position relative to the water may be adjusted vertically. In other words, in such embodiments, the components may be raised and lowered relative to the water above and below the positions shown in FIG. 4. This adjustment may be made manually in advance of a mission based on information about the vessel 10and the bridge section 12, or automatically in response to sensors detecting the relative positions of the magnetic coupling assemblies 46, 48 and the capture plate assemblies 52, 54.

[0071] FIGS. 5-8 depict an embodiment of the MCD 42 of the present disclosure in greater detail. FIG. 5 depicts the magnetic coupling assemblies 46, 48 of the MCD 42 mounted to the bow 16 of the vessel 10. The magnet assembly 62 of the magnetic coupling assembly 48 includes a pair of magnet arrays 82 positioned on opposite sides of a central support 84. Each magnet array 82 includes a plurality of permanent magnets 86. In this example, the magnet arrays 82 each include four sets of magnets 86 configured in a vertical stacked arrangement as shown.

[0072] Each set of magnets 86, in embodiments, includes a first lower magnet fixed relative to the housing 64 and positioned closer to the face shown in FIG. 5 and a second upper magnet movable relative to the first lower magnet, the first lower magnet being positioned between the bridge section 12 and the second upper magnet. The second upper magnet is positionable relative to the first lower magnet such that the poles are configured in a first arrangement to couple the MCD 42 to the respective capture plate assembly 52, 54 and in a second arrangement to decouple the MCD 42 from the respective capture plate assembly 52, 54. At least one of the first lower magnet and the second upper magnet is an electro-permanent magnet and the poles are configured in a first arrangement to couple the MCD 42 to the respective capture plate assembly 52, 54 and in a second arrangement to decouple the MCD 42 from the respective capture plate assembly 52, 54. In embodiments, the other of the first lower magnet and the second upper magnet is a rare earth permanent magnet.

[0073] In certain embodiments, each magnet array 82 may be a model PLAY50X4 magnet assembly manufactured by Magswitch. In other embodiments, each magnet array 82 is similar to those described in co-pending U.S. Patent Application S / N 18 / 588,832, entitled “MOORING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FORAQUATIC VESSELS,” filed on February 27, 2024 (“the ‘832 Application”), the entire contents of which being expressly incorporated herein by reference. In one embodiment, the magnet arrays 82 may include one or more sensors for detecting any of a plurality of connection characteristics including, but not limited to, the presence of the capture plate assemblies 52, 54, the holding force of the magnets 86, and the quality of the magnetic circuit. In certain embodiments, the magnet arrays 82 provide rapid coupling and collapsing of the magnetic field, such as is described in the ‘832 Application. The magnet arrays 82 may be activated automatically upon detection of a capture plate assembly 52, 54, or activated remotely by a crew member positioned safely within the vessel 10 as is further described below. In certain embodiments, the magnet arrays 82 provide in excess of 2,000 pounds of holding force each, such that each magnetic coupling assembly 46, 48 provides in excess of 4,000 pounds of holding force.

[0074] The central support 84 includes a docking cone 88 which protrudes forward of the forward surfaces of the magnet arrays 82 (FIG. 6) to assist in aligning the magnetic coupling assembly 48 with a corresponding capture plate assembly 54 as is further described below. In one embodiment, the docking cones 88 permit approximately 1.5 inches of misalignment between the magnetic coupling assemblies 46, 48 and the capture plate assemblies 52, 54. In other embodiments, the central support 84 includes spring loaded pins that engage with bores formed in the capture plate assemblies 52, 54 to provide added shear holding force when the magnetic coupling assemblies 46, 48 are magnetically coupled to the capture plate assemblies 52, 54.

[0075] The magnet housing 64 of the magnetic coupling assembly 48 includes an upper wall 90 and a lower wall 92. The upper wall 90 is connected to upper ends of the magnet arrays 82 and the central support 84 and the lower wall 92 is connected between lower ends of the magnet arrays 82 and the central support 84. As is best shown in FIG. 6, the upper wall 90 of the magnet housing 64 is connectedto an upper tilt wall 94 of the mounting bracket 66. The lower wall 92 of the magnet housing 64 is similarly connected to a lower tilt wall (not shown) of the mounting bracket 66. A pin 96 extends through openings formed in the upper tilt wall 94, the upper wall 90, the lower wall 92 and the lower tilt wall (not shown). Through this connection, the magnet housing 64 (and the magnet assembly 62) can pivot about the pin 96 as indicated by double-sided arrow 91 . It should be understood that the pivotal and / or rotational connections described throughout this disclosure may be accomplished in a variety of different ways. Unless expressly described to the contrary, the described pins may be bolts and / or the described bolts may be pins. The same is true for the described axles. The bolts may be secured to the pivoting structure using nuts, threaded openings, etc. The pins and axles may be secured to the pivoting structure using retaining rings, cotter pins, etc.

[0076] The extent of rotational travel of the magnet housing 64 (and the magnet assembly 62) is limited by engagement between the rearward edge 98 of the magnet housing 64 and one of the bumpers 100 mounted on the mounting bracket 66. In one embodiment, the magnet housing 64 is permitted to rotate + / - 10 degrees about the pin 96. In certain embodiments, torsional springs (not shown) are positioned around the pin 96 to bias the magnet housing 64 toward its center, unrotated orientation.

[0077] The mounting bracket 66 of the magnetic coupling assembly 48 generally includes an outer side wall 102, an inner side wall 104, a rear wall 106 connecting the outer side wall 102 and the inner side wall 104, an upper reinforcement brace 108 and a lower reinforcement brace 174 (FIG. 5). The outer side wall 102 includes a bumper 101 attached thereto. The upper tilt wall 94, the lower tilt wall (not shown), and the bumpers 100 are connected to an outer surface 110 of the rear wall 106 as best shown in FIG. 6. Referring primarily to FIGS. 6 and 7, the upper reinforcement brace 108 includes a longitudinal member 112 connected to the inner side wall 104 and a lateral member 114 connected to an inner surface116 of the rear wall 106. The lower reinforcement brace 174 includes a longitudinal member 172 (FIG. 5) connected to the inner side wall 104 and a lateral member 176 (not shown) connected to the inner surface 116 of the rear wall 106.

[0078] The upper lateral linkage 68 of the magnetic coupling assembly 48 includes an inner pivot joint 118 connected to the angled side wall 17 of the bow 16 of the vessel 10, an outer pivot joint 120 connected to the inner side wall 104 of the mounting bracket 66, and a link 122 extending between the inner pivot joint 118 and the outer pivot joint 120. The inner pivot joint 118 includes a forward wall 124, a rearward wall 126 and an axle 128 extending between aligned openings 130 (FIG. 5) formed in the forward wall 124 and the rearward wall 126. The link 122 includes an inner end 132 having a central aperture (not shown) that receives the axle 128 to permit rotation of the link 122 about the axle 128.

[0079] The outer pivot joint 120 of the upper lateral linkage 68 includes a forward wall 134, a rearward wall 136 and an axle 138 extending between aligned openings 140 (FIG. 5) formed in the forward wall 134 and the rearward wall 136. The link 122 further includes an outer end 142 (connected to the inner end 132 by an arm 144) having a central aperture (not shown) that receives the axle 138 to permit rotation of the link 122 about the axle 138. As best shown in FIG. 6, the forward wall 134 of the outer pivot joint 120 is connected to the inner side wall 104 of the mounting bracket 66. The rearward wall 136 of the outer pivot joint 120 is also connected to the inner side wall 104 of the mounting bracket 66. The rearward wall 136 is further connected to the longitudinal member 112 of the upper reinforcement brace 108 for additional strength and rigidity of the connection between the angled side wall 17 and the mounting bracket 66 provided by the upper lateral linkage 68.In certain embodiments, the upper lateral linkage 68 permits up to 1.25 inches of for- aft travel of the mounting bracket 66, and therefore of the magnet assembly 62.

[0080] Referring primarily to FIGS. 5 and 8, the lower lateral linkage 70 of the magnetic coupling assembly 48 similarly includes an inner pivot joint 146 connectedto the angled side wall 17 of the bow 16 of the vessel 10, an outer pivot joint 148 connected to the inner side wall 104 of the mounting bracket 66, and a link 150 extending between the inner pivot joint 146 and the outer pivot joint 148. The inner pivot joint 146 includes a forward wall 152, a rearward wall 154 (FIG. 5) and an axle 156 extending between aligned openings 160 (FIG. 5) formed in the forward wall 152 and the rearward wall 154. The link 150 includes an inner end 158 (not shown) having a central aperture (not shown) that receives the axle 156 to permit rotation of the link 150 about the axle 156.

[0081] The outer pivot joint 148 of the lower lateral linkage 70 includes a forward wall 162, a rearward wall 164 (FIG. 5) and an axle 166 extending between aligned openings 168 (FIG. 5) formed in the forward wall 162 and the rearward wall 164. The link 150 further includes an outer end 170 (not shown) connected to the inner end 158 by an arm 172. The outer end 170 includes a central aperture (not shown) that receives the axle 166 to permit rotation of the link 150 about the axle 166. The forward wall 162 of the outer pivot joint 148 is connected to the inner side wall 104 of the mounting bracket 66. The rearward wall 164 of the outer pivot joint 148 is also connected to the inner side wall 104 of the mounting bracket 66. The rearward wall 164 is further connected to the longitudinal member 172 (FIG. 5) of the lower reinforcement brace 174 for additional strength and rigidity of the connection between the angled side wall 17 and the mounting bracket 66 provided by the lower lateral linkage 70. In certain embodiments, the lower lateral linkage 70 permits up to 1 .25 inches of for-aft travel of the mounting bracket 66, and therefore of the magnet assembly 62.

[0082] Referring back to FIG. 6, the upper shock assembly 72 of the magnetic coupling assembly 48 generally includes a shock 178 that extends between an inner pivot joint 180 connected to the angled side wall 17 of the bow 16 of the vessel 10 and an outer pivot joint 182 connected to the mounting bracket 66. The shock 178 includes a cylinder 184 with a forward pivot rod 186 extending from one end and apiston rod 188 extending from the other end. The forward pivot rod 186 includes a pivot link 190 at its distal end that is connected to the outer pivot joint 182. Similarly, the piston rod 188 includes a pivot link 192 at its distal end that is connected to the inner pivot joint 180.

[0083] The inner pivot joint 180 includes an outer wall 194 connected to the angled side wall 17 of the bow 16 of the vessel 10, and an inner wall 196 connected to the angled side wall 17. The outer wall 194 and the inner wall 196 include aligned openings 198 (FIG. 5) to receive a pivot pin 200 that extends through the pivot link 192 of the piston rod 188 to permit rotation of the upper shock assembly 72 about the pivot pin 200. The outer pivot joint 182 includes an outer wall 202 connected to inner surface 116 of the rear wall 106 of the mounting bracket 66, and an inner wall 204 connected to the inner surface 116 of the rear wall 106 of the mounting bracket 66. The inner wall 204 is also connected to the lateral member 114 of the upper reinforcement brace 108 to provide added strength and rigidity to the connection between the angled side wall 17 and the mounting bracket 66 provided by the upper shock assembly 72. The outer wall 202 and the inner wall 204 include aligned openings 206 (FIG. 7) to receive a pivot pin 208 that extends through the pivot link 190 of the forward pivot rod 186 to permit rotation of the upper shock assembly 72 about the pivot pin 208.

[0084] As best shown in FIG. 7, the piston rod 188 of the shock 178 terminates at a piston 210 which contains a fluid in the interior space 212 of the cylinder 184 of the shock 178. The piston 210 adjusts the compression of the fluid as the piston rod 188 moves relative to the cylinder 184 with movement of the mounting bracket 66 toward and away from the angled side wall 17 of the bow 16 as a result of forces applied to the magnet assembly 62 as is further described herein. In certain embodiments, the shock 178 is configured to permit approximately 1.25 inches of for-aft travel (i.e., the same amount of travel permitted by the upper laterallinkage 68 and the lower lateral linkage 70). The same is true for the lower shock assembly 74 described below.

[0085] Referring back to FIG. 4, the lower shock assembly 74 of the magnetic coupling assembly 46 is generally the same as the lower shock assembly 74 of the magnetic coupling assembly 48. The lower shock assembly 74 includes a shock 214 that extends between an inner pivot joint 216 connected to the angled side wall 17 of the bow 16 of the vessel 10 and an outer pivot joint 218 connected to the mounting bracket 66. The shock 214 includes a cylinder 220 with a forward pivot rod 222 extending from one end and a piston rod 224 extending from the other end. The forward pivot rod 222 includes a pivot link 226 (not shown) at its distal end that is connected to the outer pivot joint 218. The piston rod 224 includes a pivot link 228 (not shown) at its distal end that is connected to the inner pivot joint 216.

[0086] The inner pivot joint 216 includes an outer wall 230 connected to the angled side wall 17 of the bow 16 of the vessel 10, and an inner wall 232 connected to the angled side wall 17. The outer wall 230 and the inner wall 232 include aligned openings 234 to receive a pivot pin 236 that extends through the pivot link 228 of the piston rod 224 to permit rotation of the lower shock assembly 74 about the pivot pin 236. The outer pivot joint 218 includes an outer wall 238 (FIG. 7) connected to the mounting bracket 66 and an inner wall 240 (not shown) connected to the mounting bracket 66. The outer wall 238 and the inner wall 240 include aligned openings 242 (FIG. 7) that receive a pivot pin 244 extending through the pivot link 226 of the forward pivot rod 222 to permit rotation of the lower shock assembly 74 about the pivot pin 244.

[0087] As best shown in FIG. 7, the piston rod 224 of the shock 214 terminates at a piston 246 which contains a fluid in the interior space 248 of the cylinder 220 of the shock 214. The piston 246 adjusts the compression of the fluid as the piston rod 224 moves relative to the cylinder 220 with movement of themounting bracket 66 toward and away from the angled side wall 17 of the bow 16 as a result of forces applied to the magnet assembly 62 as is further described below.

[0088] As is best shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the upper shock assembly 72 and the lower shock assembly 74 are not parallel to one another. In other words, the inner pivot joint 180 of the upper shock assembly 72 and the inner pivot joint 216 of the lower shock assembly 74 are spaced farther apart from each other than the outer pivot joint 182 of the upper shock assembly 72 and the outer pivot joint 218 of the lower shock assembly 74. The mounting bracket 66 (and the magnet assemblies 62) of each magnetic coupling assembly 46, 48 is therefore supported by the upper and lower lateral linkages 68, 70 and the upper and lower shock assemblies 72, 74 in a manner that permits for-aft movement of the mounting bracket 66 as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 7 labeled 249 and rotational motion of the mounting bracket 66 about a lateral axis as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 7 labeled 251 . In certain embodiments, the rotation of the mounting bracket 66 about the lateral axis is limited by the upper and lower lateral linkages 68, 70. In certain embodiments, the mounting bracket 66 may rotate about the lateral axis approximately + / - 10 degrees. Additionally, the mounting bracket 66 may move vertically as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 7 labeled 253. The amount of vertical travel of the mounting bracket 66 is limited by the amount of compression of the upper and lower shock assemblies 72, 74 with no load.

[0089] Referring now to FIGS. 9-11 , the capture brace 44 will be described in greater detail. As indicated above, the capture brace 44 generally includes a mount 50 that connects to a pair of hard points 56, 58 that are provided on the rub rail 28 of the bridge section 12 for normal rafting operations, and a pair of capture plate assemblies 52, 54 that are connected to the mount 50. As best shown in FIG. 10, the hard points 56, 58 each form a bracket to facilitate mounting of the capture brace 44 to the bridge section 12. Each hard point 56, 58 includes an upper wall 250, a lower wall 252, and a pair of end walls 254 that extend from the rub rail 28 to form arecess 256. A pair of apertures 258 extend through the upper wall 250 and the lower wall 252 (only the apertures 258 extending through the upper wall 250 are shown). Each aperture 258 through the upper wall 250 is vertically aligned with a corresponding aperture 258 through the lower wall 252. As such, fasteners 260 may be passed through the apertures 258 to connect a component (such as the capture brace 44) to the hard point 56, 58.

[0090] The mount 50 of the capture brace 44 includes an elongated central bar 262 and a pair of angled segments 264 at each end of the elongated central bar 262. A mounting segment 266 extends from each of the angled segments 264 in a substantially parallel relationship to the rub rail 28 of the vessel 10. The mounting segments 266 are configured to support the capture plate assemblies 52, 54 in the manner described below. A connecting segment 268 extends from each of the mounting segments 266 and includes an end 270 with an opening (not shown) for pivotally coupling the mount 50 to the hard points 56, 58 of the vessel 10 as is further described below. In certain embodiments the capture brace 44 includes a sight device 271 (FIG. 9) that extends vertically from the elongated central bar 262. In such embodiments, the sight device 271 is mounted at the center of the elongated central bar 262 to provide a driver of the vessel 10 with a visual indication of the center of the capture brace 44 when approaching the bridge section 12 to magnetically couple the magnetic coupling assemblies 46, 48 to the capture plate assemblies 52, 54 as described herein.

[0091] The capture brace 44 also includes a pair of pivot brackets 272 configured to connect to the hard points 56, 58. Each pivot bracket 272 includes a body 274 sized to conform to the recess 256 formed by the hard point 56, 58. The body 274 includes a pair of openings (not shown) that align with the apertures 258 formed through the upper wall 250 and the lower wall 252 of the hard points 56, 58 when the pivot bracket 272 is positioned in the recess 256 formed by the hard point 56, 58. An upper pivot wall 276 extends from the body 272 and includes an opening278. A lower pivot wall 280 extends from the body 272 in substantially parallel relationship to the upper pivot wall 276. The lower pivot wall 280 also includes an opening (not shown) that vertically aligns with the opening 278 of the upper pivot wall 276.

[0092] The pivot brackets 272 are connected to the hard points 56, 58 by placing the bodies 272 of the pivot brackets in the recesses 256 formed by the hard points 56, 58, then passing the fasteners 260 through the apertures 258 of the upper wall 250 of the hard points 56, 58, through the openings (not shown) formed through the bodies 274 of the pivot brackets 272, and through the apertures 258 (not shown) of the lower wall 252 of the hard points 56, 58. The mount 50 of the capture brace 44 is connected to the pivot brackets 272 by positioning the ends 270 of the connecting segments 268 of the mount 50 between the upper pivot walls 276 and the lower pivot walls 280 of the pivot brackets 272 such that the openings (not shown) through the ends 270 of the connecting segments 268 are vertically aligned with the openings 278 through the upper pivot walls 276 and the openings (not shown) through the lower pivot walls 280. A pin 282 passes through the above- mentioned openings to provide a pivotable connection between the connecting segments 268 of the mount 50 and the pivot brackets 272.

[0093] As indicated above, each capture plate assembly 52, 54 includes a top brace 76, a support arm 78 and a capture plate 80. The top brace 76 includes a stop wall 284, a pair of side walls 286, 288 extending from the stop wall 284, and a central wall 290 extending from the stop wall 284 and between the side walls 286, 288. The support arm 78 includes a support plate 292 that extends downwardly from the top brace 76 in substantially parallel relationship with the rub rail 28 of the bridge section 12. The support arm 78 also includes a pair of spaced apart support walls 294 (only one shown in FIG. 11 ) that extend outwardly from and substantially perpendicular to the support plate 292. Each of the support walls 294 includes anopening (not shown) configured to receive a pivot pin 296 that connects the support arm 78 and the capture plate 80 to one another as is further described below.

[0094] The capture plate 80 includes a substantially rectangular, flat plate 298 made of ferromagnetic material such as steel. As shown in FIG. 10, a central recess 300 is formed into a forward surface 302 of the flat plate 298 and is sized to receive the docking cone 88 of a corresponding magnet assembly 62 when the MDC 42 is magnetically coupled to the capture brace 44. As best shown in FIG. 11 , a pair of pivot walls 304 (only one shown) extend from a rearward surface 306 of the flat plate 298. The pivot walls 304 are spaced to align with the support walls 294 extending from the flat plate 298 of the support arm 78. Openings 308 are formed through the pivot walls 304 that align with the openings (not shown) formed through the support walls 294 of the flat plate 298. The pivot pin 296 extends through the openings 308 through the pivot walls 304 and the openings (not shown) through the support walls 294 to provide a pivotable connection between the capture plate 80 and the support arm 78. A pair of torsion springs 310, 312 are positioned around the pivot pin 296 and are biased to maintain the flat plate 298 in substantially parallel relationship with the support plate 292. One torsion spring 310 is positioned such that its free ends 314 engage the flat plate 298 and the other torsion spring 312 is positioned such that its free ends 316 engage the support plate 292. In other embodiments, one free end 314 of the torsion spring 310 engages the flat plate 298 and the other free end 314 of the torsion spring 310 engages the support plate 292. Similarly, in such an embodiment on free end 316 of the torsion spring 312 engages the flat plate 298 and the other free end 316 of the torsion spring 312 engages the support plate 298. In either embodiment, the capture plate 80 is permitted to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the pivot pin 296 as indicated by the arrows 297 in FIG. 11. In certain embodiments, the rotation of the capture plate 80 about the pivot pin 296 is limited by the torsion springs 310, 312 to approximately + / - 15 degrees.

[0095] In the configuration shown, the stop wall 284 of the top brace 76 can engage the rub rail 28 of the bridge section 12 to counter the moment created when the vessel 10 pulls the flat plate 298 (which is positioned substantially below the hard points 56, 58) when moving the bridge section 12 in the reverse direction.

[0096] Referring now to FIG. 12, another embodiment of the coupling system 400 of the present disclosure, including an MCD 442 and a capture brace 444 is shown. The MCD 442 generally includes a pair of magnetic coupling assemblies 446, 448, each connected to a respective angled side wall 17 and an upper wall 19 of the bow 16 of the vessel 10, and the capture brace 444 generally includes a mount 450 that carries a pair of capture plate assemblies 452, 454 which magnetically couple to the magnetic coupling assemblies 446, 448 as is described below. The mount 450 of the capture brace 444 is connected to the pair of hard points 56, 58 of the rub rail 28 of the bridge section 12 as is further described below. As shown, when the magnetic coupling assemblies 446, 448 of the MCD 442 are magnetically coupled to the capture plate assemblies 452, 454 of the capture brace 444, a front wall 15 of the bow 16 of the vessel 10 is positioned such that the pair of vertical push knees 60 mounted to the front wall 15 are in contact with the mount 450 of the capture brace 444. As the vessel 10 moves forward toward the bridge section 12, the vessel 10 transfers a pushing force through the vertical push knees 60 and the mount 450 to the bridge section 12, thereby moving the bridge section 12 in the forward direction. When the vessel 10 moves in reverse, away from the bridge section 12, the vessel 10 transfers a pulling force through the magnetic coupling assemblies 446, 448 and the capture plate assemblies 452, 454 to the bridge section 12, thereby moving the bridge section 12 in the reverse direction.

[0097] In embodiments, when the magnetic coupling assemblies 446, 448 of the MCD 442 are magnetically coupled to the capture plate assemblies 452, 454 of the capture brace 444, a front wall 15 of the bow 16 of the vessel 10 is adjacent but spaced apart from the mount 450 of the capture brace 444 and the rub rail 28 of thebridge section 12. Once vessel 10 is moved forward toward bridge section 12, magnetic coupling assemblies 446, 448 move rearward such that a pair of vertical push knees 60 mounted to the front wall 15 of vessel 10 come into contact with the mount 450 of the capture brace 444.

[0098] FIG. 13 provides a more detailed view of one of the magnetic coupling assemblies 446 of the MCD 442 and one of the capture plate assemblies 452 of the capture brace 444. The magnetic coupling assembly 446 generally includes a magnet assembly 462 (FIG. 14), a magnet housing 464 partially containing the magnet assembly 462, a mounting bracket 466 coupled to the magnet housing 464, an upper lateral linkage 468 and a lower lateral linkage 470 (FIG. 14), each extending between the mounting bracket 466 and an angled side wall 17 of the bow 16 of the vessel 10, and an upper shock assembly 472 extending between the mounting bracket 466 and the upper wall 19 of the vessel 10 and a lower shock assembly 474 extending between the mounting bracket 466 and the angled side wall 17.

[0099] While the magnetic coupling assemblies 446, 448 and the capture plate assemblies 452, 454 of the capture brace 444 are described herein as being movable in a variety of different directions, they are nonetheless positioned at a substantially fixed height relative to the anticipated surface of the water (e.g., based on assumptions of the normal operating draft of the vessel 10 and the unladen draft of the bridge section 12). It should be understood, however, that the magnetic coupling assemblies 446, 448 and the capture plate assemblies 452, 454 may, in other embodiments, be mounted to the vessel 10 and the bridge section 12, respectively, such that their position relative to the water may be adjusted vertically. In other words, in such embodiments, the components may be raised and lowered relative to the water above and below the positions shown in FIG. 13. This adjustment may be made manually in advance of a mission based on information about the vessel 10 and the bridge section 12, or automatically in response tosensors detecting the relative positions of the magnetic coupling assemblies 446, 448 and the capture plate assemblies 452, 454.

[0100] FIGS. 14-17 depict an embodiment of the MOD 442 of the present disclosure in greater detail. FIG. 14 depicts the magnetic coupling assemblies 446, 448 of the MCD 442 mounted to the bow 16 of the vessel 10. The magnetic coupling assemblies 446, 448 are mirror images of each other so only the components of the magnetic coupling assembly 448 are labeled in FIG. 14. The magnet assembly 462 of the magnetic coupling assembly 448 includes a pair of magnet arrays 482 positioned on opposite sides of a central support 484. In embodiments, each magnet array 482 includes a plurality of permanent magnets 486. In this example, the magnet arrays 482 each include four sets of magnets 486 configured in a vertical stacked arrangement as shown.

[0101] Each set of magnets 486, in embodiments, includes a first lower magnet fixed relative to the housing 464 and positioned closer to the face shown in FIG. 14 and a second upper magnet movable relative to the first lower magnet, the first lower magnet being positioned between the bridge section 12 and the second upper magnet. The second upper magnet is positionable relative to the first lower magnet such that the poles are configured in a first arrangement to couple the MCD 442 to the respective capture plate assembly 452, 454 and in a second arrangement to decouple the MCD 442 from the respective capture plate assembly 452, 454. At least one of the first lower magnet and the second upper magnet is an electropermanent magnet and the poles are configured in a first arrangement to couple the MCD 442 to the respective capture plate assembly and in a second arrangement to decouple the MCD 442 from the respective capture plate assembly. In examples, the other of the first lower magnet and the second upper magnet is a rare earth permanent magnet.

[0102] In certain embodiments, each magnet array 482 may be a model PLAY50X4 magnet assembly manufactured by Magswitch. In other embodiments,each magnet array 482 is similar to those described in the ‘832 Application. In one embodiment, the magnet arrays 482 may include one or more sensors for detecting any of a plurality of connection characteristics including, but not limited to, the presence of the capture plate assemblies 452, 454, the holding force of the magnets 486, and the quality of the magnetic circuit. In certain embodiments, the magnet arrays 482 provide rapid coupling and collapsing of the magnetic field, such as is described in the ‘832 Application. The magnet arrays 482 may be activated automatically upon detection of a capture plate assembly 452, 454, or activated remotely by a crew member positioned safely within the vessel 10. In certain embodiments, the magnet arrays 82 provide in excess of 2,000 pounds of holding force each, such that each magnetic coupling assembly provides in excess of 4,000 pounds of holding force.

[0103] The central support 484 includes a docking cone 488 which protrudes forward of the forward surfaces of the magnet arrays 482 (FIG. 15) to assist in aligning the magnetic coupling assembly 448 with a corresponding capture plate assembly 454 as is further described below. In one embodiment, the docking cones 488 permit approximately 1 .5 inches of misalignment between the magnetic coupling assemblies 446, 448 and the capture plate assemblies 452, 454. In other embodiments, the central support 484 includes spring loaded pins that engage with bores formed in the capture plate assemblies 452, 454 to provide added shear holding force when the magnetic coupling assemblies 446, 448 are magnetically coupled to the capture plate assemblies 452, 454.

[0104] The magnet housing 464 of the magnetic coupling assembly 448 includes an upper wall 490 and a lower wall 492. The upper wall 490 is connected to upper ends of the magnet arrays 482 and the central support 484 and the lower wall 492 is connected between lower ends of the magnet arrays 482 and the central support 484. As is best shown in FIG. 15, the upper wall 490 of the magnet housing 464 is connected to an upper tilt wall 494 of the mounting bracket 466. The lowerwall 492 of the magnet housing 464 is similarly connected to a lower tilt wall 495 (FIG. 18B) of the mounting bracket 466. A pin 496 extends through openings 497 formed in the upper tilt wall 494, the upper wall 490, the lower wall 492 and the lower tilt wall. Through this connection, the magnet housing 464 (and the magnet assembly 462) can pivot about the pin 496 as indicated by double-sided arrow 491 in FIG. 15. The extent of rotational travel of the magnet housing 464 (and the magnet assembly 462) is limited by engagement between the rearward edge 498 of the magnet housing 464 and the mounting bracket 466. In one embodiment, the magnet housing 464 is permitted to rotate + / - 10 degrees about the pin 496. In certain embodiments, torsional springs (not shown) are positioned around the pin 496 to bias the magnet housing 464 toward its center, unrotated orientation.

[0105] As best shown in FIG. 18B, the mounting bracket 466 of the magnetic coupling assembly 448 generally includes an outer side wall 502, an inner side wall 504, an upper rear wall 506 and a lower rear wall 507. As shown in FIG. 15, the outer side wall 502 has a bumper 501 attached thereto. The upper rear wall 506 includes a connecting wall 509 and a pair of curved walls 511 that connect the connecting wall 509 to the outer side wall 502 and the inner side wall 504. Similarly, the lower rear wall 507 includes a connecting wall 513 and a pair of curved walls 515 that connect the connecting wall 513 to the outer side wall 502 and the inner side wall 504. The mounting bracket 466 also includes an upper reinforcement brace 508 and a lower reinforcement brace 574. The upper tilt wall 494 is connected to an outer surface 510 of the upper rear wall 506 and the lower tilt wall 495 is connected to an outer surface 517 of the lower rear wall 507. The upper reinforcement brace 508 includes a vertical wall 519 and a horizontal wall 521. The vertical wall 519 and the horizontal wall 521 extend between inner surfaces of the outer side wall 502 and the inner side wall 504 adjacent the upper rear wall 506 to provide additional rigidity to the mounting bracket 466. Similarly, the lower reinforcement brace 574 includes a vertical wall 523 and a horizontal wall 525. The vertical wall 523 and the horizontalwall 525 extend between inner surfaces of the outer side wall 502 and the inner side wall 504 adjacent the lower rear wall 507 to provide additional rigidity to the mounting bracket 466.

[0106] As best shown in FIGS. 15, 17, 18A and 18B, the upper lateral linkage 468 of the magnetic coupling assembly 448 includes an inner pivot joint 518 connected to a linkage bracket 527, which is connected at a lower end to the angled side wall 17 of the bow 16 of the vessel 10 as is further described below and at an upper end to a push knee brace 499 of the bridge section 12, an outer pivot joint 520 connected to the inner side wall 504 of the mounting bracket 466, and a link 522 extending between the inner pivot joint 518 and the outer pivot joint 520.

[0107] As best shown in FIG. 18A, the linkage bracket 527 includes a support assembly 529 extending between an upper mounting bracket 531 and a lower mounting bracket 533. The support assembly 529 includes a forward vertical wall 535A and a rearward vertical wall 535B. The forward vertical wall 535A includes an upper opening 539 and a lower opening 541 . The rearward vertical wall 535B also includes an upper opening 543 that is aligned with the upper opening 539 of the forward vertical wall 535A and a lower opening 545 that is aligned with the lower opening 541 of the forward vertical wall 535A.

[0108] The upper mounting bracket 531 includes a vertical plate 547 and a horizontal plate 549. The vertical plate 547 includes a pair of cylindrical bosses 551 extending inwardly therefrom. Openings 563 extend through the vertical plate 547 and the cylindrical bosses 551 to receive bolts 553 (FIGS. 15 and 16). The bolts 553 extend through the cylindrical bosses 551 (which extend through openings (not shown) in the push knee brace 499) and receive nuts (not shown) to secure the upper mounting bracket 531 to the push knee brace 499. The forward vertical wall 535A of the support assembly 529 is connected to the horizontal plate 549 of the upper mounting bracket 531 . The rearward vertical wall 535B of the supportassembly 529 includes a rib segment 555 that is connected to the horizontal plate 549 and the vertical plate 547 of the upper mounting bracket 531 .

[0109] The lower mounting bracket 533 includes a vertical plate 557 and a horizontal plate 559. The vertical plate 557 includes a pair of cylindrical bosses 561 extending inwardly therefrom. Openings 573 extend through the vertical plate 557 and the cylindrical bosses 561 to receive bolts 569 (FIG. 17). The bolts 569 extend through the cylindrical bosses 561 (which extend into the angled side wall 17 of the bow 16 of the vessel 10) to secure the lower mounting bracket 533 to the vessel 10. The forward vertical wall 535A of the support assembly 529 is connected to the horizontal plate 559 of the lower mounting bracket 533. The rearward vertical wall 535B of the support assembly 529 includes a rib segment 565 that is connected to the horizontal plate 559 and the vertical plate 557 of the lower mounting bracket 533.

[0110] The inner pivot joint 518 includes an axle 528 (FIG. 17) extending between the aligned openings 539, 543 of the forward vertical wall 535A and the rearward vertical wall 535B, respectively. The link 522 includes an inner end (not shown) having a central aperture (not shown) that receives the axle 528 to permit rotation of the link 522 about the axle 528.

[0111] The outer pivot joint 520 of the upper lateral linkage 468 includes a forward wall 534, a rearward wall 536 and an axle 538 extending between aligned openings 567 (one shown in FIG. 18B) formed in the forward wall 534 and the rearward wall 536. As best shown in FIG. 15, the link 522 further includes an outer end 542 (connected to the inner end (not shown) by an arm 544) having a central aperture (not shown) that receives the axle 538 to permit rotation of the link 522 about the axle 538. The forward wall 534 of the outer pivot joint 520 is connected to the rearward wall 536 by a central wall 537, which is connected to the inner side wall 504 of the mounting bracket 566. In certain embodiments, the upper lateral linkage 468 permits up to 1.25 inches of for-aft travel of the mounting bracket 566, and therefore of the magnet assembly 562.

[0112] Referring primarily to FIGS. 14 and 17, the lower lateral linkage 470 of the magnetic coupling assembly 448 similarly includes an inner pivot joint 546 connected to the linkage bracket 527, which is connected to the angled side wall 17 of the bow 16 of the vessel 10, an outer pivot joint 548 connected to the inner side wall 504 of the mounting bracket 566, and a link 550 extending between the inner pivot joint 546 and the outer pivot joint 548. The inner pivot joint 546 includes and an axle 556 extending between aligned the openings 541 , 545 of the forward vertical wall 535A and the rearward vertical wall 535B, respectively, of the support assembly 529 of the linkage bracket 527. The link 550 includes an inner end (not shown) having a central aperture (not shown) that receives the axle 556 to permit rotation of the link 550 about the axle 556.

[0113] The outer pivot joint 548 of the lower lateral linkage 570 includes a forward wall 562, a rearward wall (not shown) and an axle 566 extending between aligned openings 568 (FIG. 18B) formed in the forward wall 562 and the rearward wall (not shown). The link 550 further includes an outer end (not shown) connected to the inner end (not shown) by an arm 572. The outer end includes a central aperture (not shown) that receives the axle 566 to permit rotation of the link 550 about the axle 566. The forward wall 562 of the outer pivot joint 548 is connected to the rearward wall (not shown) by a central wall (not shown), which is connected to the inner side wall 504 of the mounting bracket 566. In certain embodiments, the lower lateral linkage 570 permits up to 1 .25 inches of for-aft travel of the mounting bracket 566, and therefore of the magnet assembly 562.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 17, in certain embodiments a lock out plate 700 may be added between the upper lateral linkage 468 and the lower lateral linkage 470. The lock out plate 700 includes a pair of upper openings (not shown) which align with openings (not shown) formed through the arm 544 of the link 522. The lock out plate 700 also includes a pair of lower openings (not shown) which align with openings (not shown) formed through the arm 572 of the link 550. A pair of bolts702 extend through the upper openings to secure the lock out plate 700 to the arm 544. A second pair of bolts 704 extend through the lower openings to secure the lock out plate 700 to the arm 572. The lock out plate 700 thereby prevents movement of the upper lateral linkage 468 and the lower lateral linkage 470 in the vertical direction.

[0115] Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, the upper shock assembly 472 of the magnetic coupling assembly 448 generally includes a shock 578 that extends between an inner pivot joint 580 connected to the upper wall 19 of the bow 16 of the vessel 10 and an outer pivot joint 582 connected to the mounting bracket 466. As best shown in FIG. 16, the shock 578 includes a coil spring 584 extending between a forward pivot mount 586 and a rearward pivot mount 588. The forward pivot mount586 includes an opening (not shown) that connects the shock 578 to the outer pivot joint 582 as described below. The forward pivot mount 586 also includes a piston rod 593 that extends through the spring 584 and into a cylinder 585 connected to the rearward pivot mount 588. The end of the piston rod 593 is connected to a piston (not shown) in a manner known in the art. The rearward pivot mount 588 includes an opening (not shown) that connects the shock 578 to the inner pivot joint 580 as described below.

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 15, 16 and 18C, the inner pivot joint 580 includes a mounting plate 581 having a plurality of mounting openings (not shown) for receiving fasteners 583 to secure the mounting plate 581 to the upper surface 19 of the bow 16. A reinforcement rib 595 extends along a length of the mounting plate 581 . A central wall 587 extends from one end of the mounting plate 581. An outer wall 594 extends from the central wall 587 and an inner wall 596 extends from the central wall587 in parallel relationship with the outer wall 594. The outer wall 594 and the inner wall 596 include aligned openings (not shown) to receive a pivot pin 600 that extends through the opening in the rearward pivot mount 588 (FIG. 16) to permit rotation of the upper shock assembly 472 about the pivot pin 600.

[0117] The outer pivot joint 582 includes an outer wall 602 connected to the inner surface 516 of the upper rear wall 506 of the mounting bracket 466, and an inner wall 604 connected to the inner surface 516 of the upper rear wall 506 of the mounting bracket 466. The outer wall 602 and the inner wall 604 include aligned openings 571 (FIG. 18B) to receive a pivot pin 608 that extends through the opening in the forward pivot mount 586 to permit rotation of the upper shock assembly 472 about the pivot pin 608.

[0118] The upper shock assembly 472 permits movement of the mounting bracket 466 toward and away from the inner pivot joint 580 as a result of forces applied to the magnet assembly 462 as is further described herein. In certain embodiments, the shock 578 is configured to permit approximately 1 .25 inches of for-aft travel (i.e., the same amount of travel permitted by the upper lateral linkage 468 and the lower lateral linkage 470). The same is true for the lower shock assembly 474 described below. It should be understood that the inner pivot joint 580 is removable.

[0119] Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 16, the lower shock assembly 474 of the magnetic coupling assembly 446 is generally the same as the lower shock assembly 474 of the magnetic coupling assembly 448. The lower shock assembly 474 includes a shock 614 that extends between an inner pivot joint 616 connected to the angled side wall 17 of the bow 16 of the vessel 10 and an outer pivot joint 618 connected to the mounting bracket 466. As best shown in FIG. 16, the shock 614 includes a coil spring 620 extending between a forward pivot mount 622 and a rearward pivot mount 623. The forward pivot mount 622 includes an opening (not shown) that connects the shock 614 to the outer pivot joint 618 as described below. The forward pivot mount 622 also includes a piston rod 624 that extends through the spring 620 and into a cylinder 597 connected to the forward pivot mount 622. The end of the piston rod 624 is connected to a piston (not shown) in a manner known inthe art. The rearward pivot mount 623 includes an opening (not shown) that connects the shock 614 to the inner pivot joint 616 as described below.

[0120] The inner pivot joint 616 includes a mounting plate 617 with a plurality of openings 575 (FIG. 18D) that receive fasteners 619 to attach the mounting plate617 to the angled side wall 17 of the vessel 10. The inner pivot joint 616 also includes a mounting body 621 attached to the mounting plate 617. The mounting body 621 includes an outer wall 630 and an inner wall 632 (FIG. 18D) extending in parallel relationship to the outer wall 630. The outer wall 630 and the inner wall 632 include aligned openings 634 (FIG. 18D) to receive a pivot pin 636 that extends through the opening of the rearward pivot mount 623 of the shock 614 to permit rotation of the lower shock assembly 474 about the pivot pin 636.

[0121] The outer pivot joint 618 includes an outer wall 638 (FIG. 16) connected to the mounting bracket 466 and an inner wall 640 (FIG. 18B) connected to the mounting bracket 466. The outer wall 638 and the inner wall 640 include aligned openings 642 (FIG. 18B) that receive a pivot pin 644 extending through the opening in the forward pivot mount 622 of the shock 614 to permit rotation of the lower shock assembly 474 about the pivot pin 644. It should be understood that the inner pivot joint 616 is removable.

[0122] As is best shown in FIGS. 13 and 16, the upper shock assembly 472 and the lower shock assembly 474 are not parallel to one another. In other words, the inner pivot joint 580 of the upper shock assembly 472 and the inner pivot joint 616 of the lower shock assembly 474 are spaced farther apart from each other than the outer pivot joint 582 of the upper shock assembly 472 and the outer pivot joint618 of the lower shock assembly 474. The mounting bracket 466 (and the magnet assemblies 462) of each magnetic coupling assembly 446, 448 is therefore supported by the upper and lower lateral linkages 468, 470 and the upper and lower shock assemblies 472, 474 in a manner that permits for-aft movement of the mounting bracket 466 as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 16 labeled 649 and rotationalmotion of the mounting bracket 466 about a lateral axis as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 16 labeled 651. In certain embodiments, the rotation of the mounting bracket 466 about the lateral axis is limited by the upper and lower lateral linkages 468, 470. In certain embodiments, the mounting bracket 466 may rotate about the lateral axis approximately + / - 10 degrees. Additionally, the mounting bracket 466 may move vertically as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 16 labeled 653. The amount of vertical travel of the mounting bracket 466 is limited by the amount of compression of the upper and lower shock assemblies 472, 474 with no load.

[0123] Referring back to FIG. 16, in certain embodiments a lock out plate 706 is connected between the inner pivot joint 580 of the upper shock assembly 472 and the inner pivot joint 616 of the lower shock assembly 474. The lock out plate 706 includes a first arm 708 and a second arm 710. The first arm 708 includes an opening 712 that aligns with an opening 714 (FIG. 18C) on a lower flange 716 extending from the mounting plate 581 of the inner pivot joint 580. A bolt (not shown) extends through the opening 712 and the opening 714 to receive a nut to secure the first arm 708 to the mounting plate 581 . The second arm 710 similarly includes an opening (not shown) that aligns with an opening 718 (FIG. 18C) on an upper flange 720 extending from the mounting body 621 of the inner pivot joint 616. A bolt 722 extends through the opening in the second arm 710 and the opening 718 of the upper flange 720 to receive a nut to secure the second arm 710 to the mounting body 621 .

[0124] The lock out plate 706 also includes a pivot opening 724 between the first arm 708 and the second arm 710. The pivot opening 724 aligns with an opening 726 (FIG. 18B) formed through a rearward fin 728 extending from the upper rear wall 506 and the lower rear wall 507 of the mounting bracket 466. The fin 728 includes a rib 730 extending substantially along the length of the fin 728.

[0125] A stabilizer linkage 732 is positioned between the pivot opening 724 and the opening in the second arm 710 of the lock out plate 706. The stabilizerlinkage 732 includes a lower link 734, an upper link 736 and a threaded rod 738 extending between the lower link 734 and the upper link 736. The lower link 734 includes an opening (not shown) at one end that receives the bolt 722 and a nut 740 at the other end. The upper link 736 includes an opening (not shown) at one end that receives a bolt 742 and a nut 744 at the other end. The bolt 742 extends through the opening in the upper link 736, the pivot opening 724 of the lock out plate 706 and the opening 726 of the rearward fin 728 of the mounting bracket 466.

[0126] Referring now to FIGS. 19-21 , the capture brace 444 will be described in greater detail. As indicated above, the capture brace 444 generally includes a mount 450 that connects to a pair of hard points 56, 58 that are provided on the rub rail 28 of the bridge section 12 for normal rafting operations, and a pair of capture plate assemblies 452, 454 that are connected to the mount 450. As best shown in FIG. 20, the hard points 56, 58 each form a bracket to facilitate mounting of the capture brace 444 to the bridge section 12. Each hard point 56, 58 includes an upper wall 250, a lower wall 252, and a pair of end walls 254 that extend from the rub rail 28 to form a recess 256. A pair of apertures 258 extend through the upper wall 250 and the lower wall 252 (only the apertures 258 extending through the upper wall 250 are shown). Each aperture 258 through the upper wall 250 is vertically aligned with a corresponding aperture 258 through the lower wall 252. As such, fasteners 260 may be passed through the apertures 258 to connect a component (such as the capture brace 444) to the hard point 56, 58.

[0127] The mount 450 of the capture brace 444 includes an elongated central bar 862. A mounting segment 866 (FIG. 21 ) extends from each end of the central bar 862. The mounting segments 866 are configured to support the capture plate assemblies 452, 454 in the manner described below. A connecting segment 868 extends from each of the mounting segments 866 and includes an end 870 with an opening (not shown) for pivotally coupling the mount 450 to the hard points 56, 58 of the vessel 10 as is further described below. In certain embodiments a post 871(FIG. 19) on the bridge section 12 may function as a sight device to provide a driver of the vessel 10 with a visual indication of the center of the capture brace 444 when approaching the bridge section 12 to magnetically couple the magnetic coupling assemblies 446, 448 to the capture plate assemblies 452, 454 as described herein.

[0128] The capture brace 444 also includes a pair of pivot brackets 872 configured to connect to the hard points 56, 58. Each pivot bracket 872 includes a body 874 sized to conform to the recess 256 formed by the hard point 56, 58. The body 874 includes a pair of openings (not shown) that align with the apertures 258 formed through the upper wall 250 and the lower wall 252 of the hard points 56, 58 when the pivot bracket 872 is positioned in the recess 256 formed by the hard point 56, 58. An upper pivot wall 876 extends from the body 874 and includes an opening (not shown). A lower pivot wall 880 extends from the body 872 in substantially parallel relationship to the upper pivot wall 876. The lower pivot wall 880 also includes an opening (not shown) that vertically aligns with the opening (not shown) of the upper pivot wall 876.

[0129] The pivot brackets 872 are connected to the hard points 56, 58 by placing the bodies 874 of the pivot brackets in the recesses 256 formed by the hard points 56, 58, then passing the fasteners 260 through the apertures 258 of the upper wall 250 of the hard points 56, 58, through the openings (not shown) formed through the bodies 874 of the pivot brackets 872, and through the apertures 258 (not shown) of the lower wall 252 of the hard points 56, 58. The mount 450 of the capture brace 444 is connected to the pivot brackets 872 by positioning the ends 870 of the connecting segments 868 of the mount 450 between the upper pivot walls 876 and the lower pivot walls 880 of the pivot brackets 872 such that the openings (not shown) through the ends 870 of the connecting segments 868 are vertically aligned with the openings 878 through the upper pivot walls 876 and the openings (not shown) through the lower pivot walls 880. A pin 882 passes through the above-mentioned openings to provide a pivotable connection between the connecting segments 868 of the mount 450 and the pivot brackets 872.

[0130] As indicated above, each capture plate assembly 452, 454 includes a mounting segment 866 (FIG. 21 ) for connecting the central bar 862 to the capture plate 480. The capture plate 480 includes a substantially rectangular, flat plate 898 made of ferromagnetic material such as steel. As shown in FIG. 20, a central recess 900 is formed into a forward surface 902 of the flat plate 898 and is sized to receive the docking cone 488 of a corresponding magnet assembly 462 when the MDC 442 is magnetically coupled to the capture brace 444.

[0131] Referring now to FIG. 22, a schematic of a pneumatic system 904 of the present disclosure is shown. It should be understood that the pneumatic system 904 is located on the vessel 10 and configured to activate and deactivate the magnet arrays 82, 482 of the magnetic coupling assemblies 46, 446 and 48, 448 of the present disclosure. In alternative embodiments, the pneumatic system 904 may be replaced with a hydraulic system or an electrical system for activating and deactivating the magnet arrays 82, 482. As the pneumatic system 904 is the same for any embodiment of the coupling system of the present disclosure, references hereinafter are made to the coupling system 400 to simplify the description. The pneumatic system 904 generally includes a fluid supply 906 (e.g., compressed air), an exhaust 908, a control valve 910, an activate manifold 912, a deactivate manifold 914, a first pair of magnet array manifolds 916, 918, and a second pair of magnet array manifolds 920, 922.

[0132] The supply 906 is connected to one port of the control valve 910 and the exhaust 908 is connected to another port of the control valve 910. In certain embodiments, the control valve 910 may be a three position, double solenoid actuated, spring return valve. The control valve 910 depicted provides a first flow path 924 when a first solenoid 926 is activated, a second flow path 928 when a second solenoid 930 is activated, and a third flow path 932 when neither solenoid926, 930 is activated. The first flow path 924 routes hydraulic fluid to the activate manifold 912, which distributes the fluid to magnet array manifold 916 and the magnet array manifold 920. The magnet array manifold 916 is fluidly coupled to an activate or “ON” input to a pair of magnet arrays 82 of the magnetic coupling assembly 46 and the magnet array manifold 920 is coupled to an activate or “ON” input to a pair of magnet arrays 82 of the magnetic coupling assembly 48. As such, when the first solenoid 926 is actuated to move the control valve 910 such that the supply 906 is coupled with the first flow path 924, all of the magnet arrays 82 of the magnetic coupling assemblies 46, 48 are activated to permit the magnetic coupling assemblies 46, 48 to magnetically couple with the capture plate assemblies 452, 454 of the capture brace 444. Once activated, the magnet arrays 82 remain activated until fluid is provided to a deactivate or “OFF” input of the magnet arrays 82.

[0133] After the first solenoid 926 is activated to activate the magnet arrays 82, the first solenoid 926 may be deactivated and the control valve 910 returns to the position shown in FIG. 22 as a result of the biasing force of one or more springs coupled to the control valve 910 where the supply 906 is coupled to the third flow path 932 of the control valve 910. The third flow path 932 disconnects the supply 906 and the exhaust 908 from the rest of the pneumatic system 904.

[0134] When the magnetic coupling assemblies 46, 48 are to be deactivated, the second solenoid 930 is activated. When the second solenoid 930 is activated, it moves the control valve 910 such that the supply 906 is coupled to the second flow path 928 of the control valve 910. The second flow path 928 routes hydraulic fluid to the deactivate manifold 914, which distributes the fluid to magnet array manifold 918 and the magnet array manifold 922. The magnet array manifold 918 is fluidly coupled to a deactivate or “OFF” input to the pair of magnet arrays 82 of the magnetic coupling assembly 46 and the magnet array manifold 922 is coupled to a deactivate or “OFF” input to the pair of magnet arrays 82 of the magnetic coupling assembly 48. As such, when the second solenoid 930 is activated to move thecontrol valve 910 such that the supply 906 is coupled with the second flow path 928, all of the magnet arrays 82 of the magnetic coupling assemblies 46, 48 are deactivated to permit the magnetic coupling assemblies 46, 48 to decouple with the capture plate assemblies 452, 454 of the capture brace 444. In certain embodiments, the deactivation fluid pressure is approximately 70 PSI and the the second solenoid 930 is activated for approximately 1 .5 seconds. Once deactivated, the magnet arrays 82 remain deactivated until fluid is provided to the activate or “ON” input of the magnet arrays 82 as described above.

[0135] After the second solenoid 930 is activated to deactivate the magnet arrays 82, the second solenoid 930 may be deactivated and the control valve 910 returns to the position shown in FIG. 22 as a result of the biasing force of the one or more springs coupled to the control valve 910 where the supply 906 is coupled to the third flow path 932 of the control valve 910. As indicated above, the third flow path 932 disconnects the supply 906 and the exhaust 908 from the rest of the pneumatic system 904.

[0136] Referring now to FIG. 23, an electrical schematic depicting an electrical system 934 for use with the pneumatic system 904 is shown. The electrical system 934 generally includes one or more batteries 936 that provide a positive voltage signal 938 on line 940 and a return signal 942 on line 944 to a battery isolator switch 946. The battery isolator switch 946 is moveable between an OFF position and an ON position. When in the ON position, the battery isolator switch 946 provides the positive voltage signal 938 and the return signal 942 to inputs to a breaker 948. In normal operation, the breaker 948 provides the positive voltage signal 938 and the return signal 942 from outputs of the breaker 948 to inputs to an ON / OFF switch 950. The ON / OFF switch 950 is used by personnel of the vessel 10 to activate and deactivate the magnetic coupling assemblies 446, 448 via the pneumatic system 904 as described above.

[0137] When the ON / OFF switch 950 is placed in the ON position, the ON / OFF switch 950 provides the positive voltage signal 938 and the return signal 942 to the first solenoid 926 to activate the first solenoid 926. As explained above, when activated the first solenoid 926 moves the control valve 910 to connect the supply 906 with the first flow path 924 to activate the magnet arrays 82. When the ON / OFF switch 950 is placed in the OFF position, the ON / OFF switch 950 provides the positive voltage signal 938 and the return signal 942 to the second solenoid 930 to activate the second solenoid 930. As explained above, when activated, the second solenoid 930 moves the control valve 910 to connect the supply 906 with the second flow path 928 to deactivate the magnet arrays 82.

[0138] It should be understood that while various pivotable connections are described herein as including a pair of parallel walls with aligned openings that receive an axle or pin extending through the end of an arm or link, various other pivot joint configurations may be used. For example, in certain embodiments one or more of the pivot joints described herein may be replaced with a ball-and-socket joint, a Condyloid joint, or a hinged joint.

[0139] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this disclosure also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A magnetic coupling system for magnetically coupling a vessel to a floating structure, comprising: a pair of magnetic coupling assemblies each comprising: at least one magnet assembly rotatably coupled to a mounting bracket; upper and lower lateral linkages each including a link connected between an inner pivot joint configured to mount to the vessel and an outer pivot joint connected to a rear wall of the mounting bracket; and upper and lower shock assemblies each including a shock connected between an inner pivot joint configured to mount to the vessel and an outer pivot joint connected to the rear wall of the mounting bracket; and a capture brace configured to mount to the floating structure, comprising: a central bar including a pair of pivot brackets configured to mount to a corresponding pair of hard points on the floating structure; and a pair of capture plate assemblies connected to the central bar and formed from ferromagnetic material; wherein the pair of magnetic coupling assemblies are spaced apart to correspond to a spacing between the pair of capture plate assemblies such that when the at least one magnet assembly of the pair of magnetic coupling assemblies is / are activated, the pair of magnetic coupling assemblies magnetically couple to the pair of capture plate assemblies to couple the vessel to the floating structure.

2. The magnetic coupling system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one magnet assembly of each of the pair of magnetic coupling assemblies includes a docking cone configured to align with a recess formed into a flat plate of each of the pair of capture plate assemblies.

3. The magnetic coupling system of claim 1 , wherein the inner pivot joint of each of the upper and lower lateral linkages is configured to mount to a side wall of the vessel, the inner pivot joint of the upper shock assembly is configured to mount to an upper wall of the vessel, and the inner pivot joint of the lower shock assembly is configured to mount to the side wall of the vessel.

4. The magnetic coupling system of claim 1 , wherein each of the pair of capture plate assemblies includes a top brace having a stop wall positioned to engage a rub rail of the floating structure to counter movement created when the vessel pulls the floating structure in a reverse direction.

5. The magnetic coupling system of claim 1 , wherein each of the pair of magnetic coupling assemblies includes a housing, the at least one magnet assembly being coupled to the housing, and the housing including an upper wall and a lower wall coupled to an upper tilt wall and a lower tilt wall, respectively, connected to an inner surface of the rear wall of the mounting bracket to permit rotational movement of the housing relative to the mounting bracket.

6. The magnetic coupling system of claim 1 , wherein the inner pivot joints of the upper and lower lateral linkages are connected to a linkage bracket configured to mount to the vessel.

7. The magnetic coupling system of claim 6, wherein the linkage bracket includes a support assembly pivotally coupled to the inner pivot joints of the upper and lower lateral linkages, an upper mounting bracket connected to an upper end of the support assembly and configured to mount to the vessel, and a lower mountingbracket connected to a lower end of the support assembly and configured to mount to the vessel.

8. The magnetic coupling system of claim 1 , wherein the upper and lower lateral linkages permit for-aft travel of the pair of magnetic coupling assemblies relative to the vessel.

9. The magnetic coupling system of claim 1 , wherein the upper and lower shock assemblies permit vertical movement of the mounting bracket relative to the vessel.

10. The magnetic coupling system of claim 1 , wherein the upper and lower lateral linkages and the upper and lower shock assemblies permit rotational motion of the mounting bracket about a lateral axis.

11. A magnetic coupling system for automatically providing a magnetic connection between a vessel and a floating structure, comprising: at least one magnetic coupling device configured to mount to the vessel, the at least one magnetic coupling device including at least one magnetic coupling assembly comprising: at least one magnet assembly mounted to a magnet housing; a mounting bracket rotatably coupled to the magnet housing; an upper lateral linkage including a first link connected between an upper inner pivot joint configured to mount to the vessel and an upper outer pivot joint connected to the mounting bracket; a lower lateral linkage including a second link connected between a lower inner pivot joint configured to mount to the vessel and a lower outer pivot joint connected to the mounting bracket;an upper shock assembly including a first shock connected between an upper inner pivot joint configured to mount to the vessel and an upper outer pivot joint connected to the mounting bracket; and a lower shock assembly including a second shock connected between a lower inner pivot joint configured to mount to the vessel and a lower outer pivot joint connected to the mounting bracket; and a capture brace configured to mount to the floating structure, comprising: an elongated central bar including a pair of pivot brackets configured to mount to a corresponding pair of hard points attached to the floating structure; and at least one capture plate assembly connected to the elongated central bar and including a capture plate formed from ferromagnetic material; wherein the at least one magnetic coupling assembly is positioned to align with the at least one capture plate assembly such that when the vessel approaches the floating structure and the at least one magnet assembly of the at least one magnetic coupling assembly is activated, the at least one magnetic coupling assembly magnetically couples to the at least one capture plate assembly to couple the vessel to the floating structure.

12. The magnetic coupling system of claim 11 , wherein the mounting bracket includes a rear wall and at least one tilt wall connected to the rear wall and rotatably coupled to the magnet housing.

13. The magnetic coupling system of claim 12, wherein the upper outer pivot joint of the upper lateral linkage, the lower outer pivot joint of the lower lateral linkage, the upper outer pivot joint of the upper shock assembly and the lower outer pivot joint of the lower shock assembly are connected to the rear wall of the mounting bracket.

14. The magnetic coupling system of claim 11 , wherein the at least one magnet assembly of the at least one magnetic coupling assembly includes a docking cone configured to align with a recess formed into a flat plate of the at least one capture plate assembly.

15. The magnetic coupling system of claim 11 , wherein the upper inner pivot joint of the upper lateral linkage and the lower inner pivot joint of the lower lateral linkage are configured to mount to a side wall of the vessel, the upper inner pivot joint of the upper shock assembly is configured to mount to an upper wall of the vessel, and the lower inner pivot joint of the lower shock assembly is configured to mount to the side wall of the vessel.

16. The magnetic coupling system of claim 11 , wherein the at least one capture plate assembly includes a top brace having a stop wall positioned to engage a rub rail of the floating structure to counter movement created when the vessel pulls the floating structure in a reverse direction.

17. The magnetic coupling system of claim 11 , wherein the at least one magnetic coupling assembly includes a housing, the at least one magnet assembly being coupled to the housing, and the housing including an upper wall and a lower wall coupled to an upper tilt wall and a lower tilt wall, respectively, connected to an inner surface of a rear wall of the mounting bracket to permit rotational movement of the housing relative to the mounting bracket.

18. The magnetic coupling system of claim 11 , wherein the upper and lower lateral linkages permit for-aft travel of the at least one magnetic coupling assembly relative to the vessel.

19. The magnetic coupling system of claim 11 , wherein the upper and lower shock assemblies permit vertical movement of the mounting bracket relative to the vessel.

20. The magnetic coupling system of claim 11 , wherein the upper and lower lateral linkages and the upper and lower shock assemblies permit rotational motion of the mounting bracket about a lateral axis.21 . A magnetic coupling system for magnetically coupling a vessel to a floating structure, comprising: at least one magnetic coupling assembly comprising: at least one magnet assembly mounted to a housing; a mounting bracket rotatably coupled to the housing; upper and lower lateral linkages each extending between the vessel and the mounting bracket; and upper and lower shock assemblies each extending between the vessel and the mounting bracket; and a capture brace configured to mount to the floating structure, comprising: a central bar configured to mount to at least one hard point attached to the floating structure; and at least one capture plate assembly connected to the central bar and formed from ferromagnetic material; wherein the at least one magnetic coupling assembly is positioned to align with the at least one capture plate assembly such that when the vessel approaches the floating structure and the at least one magnet assembly is activated, the at least one magnetic coupling assembly magnetically couple to the at least one capture plate assembly to couple the vessel to the floating structure.

22. The magnetic coupling system of claim 21 , wherein the at least one magnet assembly includes a docking cone configured to align with a recess formed into the at least one capture plate assembly.

23. The magnetic coupling system of claim 21 , wherein each of the upper lateral linkage and the lower lateral linkage includes an inner pivot joint configured to mount to a side wall of the vessel, the upper shock assembly includes an inner pivot joint configured to mount to an upper wall of the vessel, and the lower shock assembly includes an inner pivot joint configured to mount to the side wall of the vessel.

24. The magnetic coupling system of claim 21 , wherein the upper and lower lateral linkages permit for-aft travel of the at least one magnetic coupling assembly relative to the vessel.

25. The magnetic coupling system of claim 21 , wherein the upper and lower shock assemblies permit vertical movement of the mounting bracket relative to the vessel.

26. The magnetic coupling system of claim 21 , wherein the upper and lower lateral linkages and the upper and lower shock assemblies permit rotational motion of the mounting bracket about a lateral axis.

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