Patent ID: 7258510
Filing Date: 2007-08-21
Classification: E02B

Abstract:
1. A system useful in stabilizing a vessel, the vessel including a first leg, a second leg, a third leg, and a platform coupled to the first, second, and third legs such that the platform may be raised or lowered along the first, second and third legs using pinions driven by one or more motors, the system comprising: a first brace coupled to the first leg at a first location along the first brace, the first brace forming an acute angle with the first leg; and the first brace being coupled at a second location along the first brace to a winch driven by a winch motor capable of tensioning the first brace, the first and second locations along the first brace defining a first brace length between them; wherein at least a portion of the first brace length is located directly beneath the platform, and the winch motor is synchronized with the one or more motors such that tension in the first brace is maintained with the winch while raising or lowering the platform.