Patent Publication Number: US-11383804-B2

Title: Shiplift platform elevation

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/897,696, filed on Sep. 9, 2019, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to systems for lifting a shiplift platform above the level of a shipyard, to shiplift platforms including such systems, to shipyards including such systems, and to methods of making and using the same. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Shiplifts are used to dry dock and launch ships. Shiplifts typically include a structural platform that is lifted and lowered by hoists. Existing shiplift platform designs typically have arms that reach underneath piers on either side of the platform so that the hoists (e.g., chain jacks or winches) can be connected to the shiplift platform structure via chains or wire ropes. These hoists operate to lift and lower the shiplift platform, with or without a ship on it. Typically, the shiplift platform is lowered underwater, a ship is floated above the shiplift platform, and the shiplift platform and ship are then lifted above water-level using the hoists. 
     Shiplift platforms periodically require maintenance, such as re-painting (e.g., every 10 years or so). However, it is difficult to access at least some portions of shiplift platforms (e.g., the bottoms of shiplift platforms) for such maintenance because of the position of the shiplift platforms relative to the shipyard and/or the water-level. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a shipyard. The shipyard includes a yard defining a yard level. A shiplift platform is positioned adjacent the yard. A lifting system is coupled with the yard. The lifting system includes a hoist coupled with a hoist frame. The hoist is capable of coupling with the shiplift platform and raising and lowering the shiplift platform relative to the yard level. The lifting system includes a jack. The jack includes an actuator coupled with a jack frame and with the hoist frame. The actuator is actuable to raise the hoist above the yard level and is actuable to raise the shiplift platform above the yard level. 
     Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a shiplift. The shiplift includes a shiplift platform and a lifting system. The lifting system includes a hoist coupled with a hoist frame. The hoist is capable of coupling with the shiplift platform and raising and lowering the shiplift platform. The lifting system includes a jack. The jack includes an actuator coupled with a jack frame and with the hoist frame. The actuator is actuable to raise the hoist and is actuable to raise the shiplift platform. 
     Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a rotary chain jack. The rotary chain jack includes a hoist coupled with a hoist frame, and a jack including an actuator coupled with a jack frame and with the hoist frame. 
     Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a method of lifting a shiplift platform above a yard level of a shipyard. The method includes jacking-up a hoist. The hoist is positioned adjacent the shiplift platform at the shipyard. During the jacking-up of the hoist, the hoist is decoupled from the shiplift platform. The jacking-up of the hoist includes raising the hoist, relative to the yard level, from a first hoist height to a second hoist height. The method includes securing the hoist at the second hoist height, and coupling the hoist, at the second hoist height, with the shiplift platform. With the hoist at the second hoist height and coupled with the shiplift platform, the method includes jacking-up the shiplift platform by raising the shiplift platform toward the hoist, from a first platform height to a second platform height, and securing the shiplift platform at the second platform height. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       So that the manner in which the features and advantages of the systems and methods may be understood in more detail, a more particular description may be had by reference to the embodiments which are illustrated in the appended drawings that form a part of this specification. It is noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only various exemplary embodiments and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of the disclosed concepts as it may include other effective embodiments as well. 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of a shipyard. 
         FIG. 2  is a detail view of section A of the shipyard of  FIG. 1 , showing a shiplift. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of section B-B of  FIG. 2 , showing the shiplift platform in a raised position. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of section C-C of  FIG. 2 , showing a hoist used to lift the shiplift platform. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional similar to  FIG. 3 , but showing the shiplift platform in a lowered position. 
         FIG. 6  is an elevation view showing carriages (also referred to as cradles) positioned on a shiplift. 
         FIG. 7A  is a front view of a hoist coupled with a shiplift platform. 
         FIG. 7B  is a side view of the hoist of  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 7C  is an isometric view of the hoist of  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 8A  is a front view of the hoist of  FIG. 7A  with jacking beams installed thereon. 
         FIG. 8B  is a side view of the hoist of  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 8C  is an isometric view of the hoist of  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 9A  is a front view of the hoist of  FIG. 8A  with jacking columns installed on a foundation thereof. 
         FIG. 9B  is a side view of the hoist of  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 9C  is an isometric view of the hoist of  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 10A  is a front view of the hoist of  FIG. 9A  after the hoist has been lifted via a jack. 
         FIG. 10B  is a side view of the hoist of  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 10C  is an isometric view of the hoist of  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 11A  is a front view of the hoist of  FIG. 10A  after the jack has been lifted via retraction of a cylinder/rod thereof. 
         FIG. 11B  is a side view of the hoist of  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 11C  is an isometric view of the hoist of  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 12A  is a front view of the hoist of  FIG. 11A  after the hoist has been lifted a second time via extension of the cylinder/rod. 
         FIG. 12B  is a side view of the hoist of  FIG. 12A . 
         FIG. 12C  is an isometric view of the hoist of  FIG. 12A . 
         FIG. 13A  is a front view of the hoist of  FIG. 12A  after the jack has been lifted a second time via retraction of the cylinder/rod. 
         FIG. 13B  is a side view of the hoist of  FIG. 13A . 
         FIG. 13C  is an isometric view of the hoist of  FIG. 13A . 
     
    
    
     Systems and methods according to present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate various exemplary embodiments. Concepts according to the present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited by the illustrated embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough as well as complete and will fully convey the scope of the various concepts to those skilled in the art and the best and preferred modes of practice. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Certain aspects of the present disclosure include systems and methods for lifting a shiplift platform above a level of a shipyard, also referred to herein as “yard level.” As used herein, “yard level” refers to a plane defined by the yard (or floor) of a shipyard. One skilled in the art would understand that the plane defined by the yard (also referred to as a “quay”) of a shipyard will exhibit variations relative to a theoretical “perfect plane” without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the systems and methods disclosed herein provide for the ability to more easily or readily perform maintenance of and on shiplift platforms. That is, the systems and methods disclosed herein allow for shiplift platforms to be lifted above the yard level such that the bottom of the shiplift platforms are more easily and readily accessible for maintenance than if the shiplift platforms were positioned at or below the yard level. Such maintenance may include, but is not limited to, welding, painting, coating, and replacement of parts. For example, and without limitation, such maintenance may be performed every 1 to 20 years, every 2 to 18 years, every 4 to 16 years, every 6 to 14 years, every 8 to 12 years, or every 10 years. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that existing wire rope winch systems used to lift shiplift platforms are not capable of lifting a shiplift platform above yard level. 
     In some embodiments, to lift a shiplift platform above yard level, one or more lifting systems (e.g., hoists) are used to lift the shiplift platform, and the lifting system(s) and shiplift platform are jacked up to a position that is above yard level using a jack. The shiplift platform and lifting system(s) may be incrementally jacked up to a position above yard level, such as by using an actuator. In some embodiments, a linear actuator, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder/rod, is actuated one incremental movement (e.g., one stroke) at a time to lift the shiplift platform and lifting system(s). In some embodiments, the linear actuator is hydraulically actuated, pneumatically actuated, or electrically actuated. While the “lifting system” and “jack” are sometimes referred to as separate structure herein, in some embodiments the “jack” is an integral component of the “lifting system” rather than a separate structure. As used herein a “cylinder/rod” refers to an assembly of a cylinder and rod, where the rod is coupled within the cylinder and is extendable and retractable relative to the cylinder. Additionally, the cylinder is extendable and retractable relative to the rod. For example, the shiplift platform may be lifted up one cylinder/rod stroke, and then blocking may be added to the raised lifting system(s) (e.g., rotary chain jacks) to maintain the first lifted position. Blocking, or the addition of blocking, may be accomplished via use of the jacking frames, jacking beams, and associated pins. The actuator may then be recycled (e.g., retracted), such that the shiplift platform is pulled upwards towards the lifting system(s). The cylinder/rod or other actuator may then be used to jack another movement (e.g., stroke) to further lift the lifting system(s) and shiplift platform, as desired. Such a process incrementally raises the shiplift platform to a desired height above the yard level. In some embodiments, the jacking up of the shiplift platform may be accomplished, in part, using shiplift chain jacks, which may serve the dual functions of both lifting ships for typical shiplift functions and lifting the shiplift platform above yard level for maintenance thereof. As there are typically a plurality of lifting systems used to lift a shiplift platform, the jacking up of the plurality of lifting systems is, in some embodiments, synchronized such that each lifting system is simultaneously and synchronously jacked up to the same height as the other of the lifting systems. In some embodiments, a rotary chain jack including a lift cylinder is used as the lifting system. 
     Shipyard 
     Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a shipyard that includes lifting systems, such as hoists, that are coupled with a shiplift platform and jacks that are capable of lifting the lifting systems and the shiplift platform above the yard level of the shipyard. With reference to  FIG. 1 , shipyard  100  is depicted. Shipyard  100  includes yard  102 . Yard  102  includes bays  104  where ships and other such structures may be positioned, such as for maintenance, storage, construction, or other activities. Yard  102  may be equipped with lateral rails  106  and longitudinal rails  108  for transport of ships and other such structures within and about shipyard  100 , such as on carriages using bogie transfer systems. 
     Shipyard  100  includes shiplift  110  for receipt of and deployment of ships and other such structures to and from shipyard  100 . Shiplift  110  includes shiplift platform  112 . As described in more detail elsewhere herein, shiplift platform  112  may be coupled with a plurality of lifting systems  114 , here shown as hoists. Lifting systems  114  operate to lift and lower shiplift platform  112 , with or without a ship or other such structure thereon. Shipyard  100  also includes command post  116  for control of operations of shiplift  110 , including control of lifting systems  114  and jacks (not shown). 
     Shiplift 
       FIG. 2  is a detail view of shiplift  110 , at section A of  FIG. 1 . Shiplift  110  includes shiplift platform  112 , which is or includes a structure or frame capable of supporting a ship or other such structure. Lifting systems  114  are coupled with yard (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and with shiplift platform  112 , and are capable of raising and lowering shiplift platform  112 . In operation, shiplift platform  112  is lowered by lifting systems  114  into the water to a level such that a ship or other such structure is floated above shiplift platform  112 . Subsequently, lifting systems  114  raise shiplift platform  112  to bring the ship, supported on shiplift platform  112 , at level with shipyard  100 . Motors  124  (e.g., electric motors) provide power to lifting systems  114  for lowering and lifting shiplift platform  112 . Of course, the above described operation may be reversed in order to deploy a ship or other such structure into the water. 
     Shiplift Platform in a Raised Position 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of shipyard  100  along line B-B of  FIG. 2 , with shiplift platform  112  in a raised position, and  FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of shipyard  100  along line C-C of  FIG. 2 . With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , shiplift  110  is raised to a height that is the same height as yard  102 , such that shiplift platform  112  is even or substantially even with yard  102 . That is, a theoretical plane defined by shiplift platform  112  is coplanar or substantially coplanar with a theoretical plane defined by yard  102 , such that shiplift platform  112  and yard  102  are both at height  118 . 
     Carriage  120  is positioned on top of shiplift platform  112 , and bogies  122  are coupled with carriage  120  for transporting carriage  120 , and any ship or other structure thereon, throughout shipyard  100 , such as on rails  106  and  108  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     In some embodiments, lifting system  114  is or includes a rotary chain jack. In some such embodiments, lifting systems  114  lift and lower shiplift platform  112  via hauling in or paying out chain  126 , with chain  126  coupled to shiplift platform  112 . Lifting systems  114  may be powered by and/or controlled by motors  124 . The movement of ships and other such structures throughout a shipyard is described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/591,013 (the &#39;013 application) and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/201,978 (the &#39;978 application), the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference. Also, the operation of some embodiments of shiplifts is described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/568,921 (the &#39;921 application) and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/817,876 (the &#39;876 application), the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference. While the present disclosure is not limited to moving ships and other such structures throughout shipyards in the manners described in the &#39;013 and &#39;978 applications and is not limited to operating shiplifts in the manners described in the &#39;921 and &#39;876 applications, these disclosures provide relevant background, and the methods and systems disclosed herein may be practiced in conjunction with those disclosed in the &#39;013, &#39;978, &#39;921, and &#39;876 applications. 
     Shiplift Platform in a Lowered Position 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of shipyard  100  along line B-B of  FIG. 2 , but with shiplift platform  112  in a lowered position, below a height of yard  102 , instead of in a raised position. Carriage  120  is positioned on top of shiplift platform  112 , but bogies  122  are not coupled with carriage  120 . In operation, while in the lowered position a ship or other such structure may float over shiplift platform  112  and carriage  120  and may engage with carriage  120 , such that lifting systems  114  are capable of lifting shiplift platform  112  and carriage  120 ; thereby, lifting the ship or other such structure thereon. Lifting systems  114  are capable of lifting shiplift platform  112 , carriage  120 , and any ship or other such structure thereon by hauling in chain  126 . Of course, this operation may be reversed to deploy a ship from the shipyard. 
     With reference to  FIG. 6 , an elevation view of carriages  120  positioned on top of shiplift platform  112  is shown. As is evident from  FIG. 6 , side transfer of equipment over lifting systems  114  is possible. With adjacent carriages  120  engaged along the edges thereof, the carriages  120  are positioned over the lifting systems  114  such that the lifting systems  114  are protected beneath the carriages  120  and a contiguous surface is provided over the lifting systems  114  for the side/lateral transfer of equipment over the locations where the lifting systems  114  are positioned. 
     Jack 
       FIGS. 7A-7C  are detailed views of a lifting system coupled with a portion of a shiplift. Lifting system  114 , here a rotary chain jack, is coupled with a portion of the shiplift platform, here shown as beam  130  of the shiplift platform. Beam  130  extends from the shiplift platform into cavity  131  that is formed in yard  102  and below lifting system  114 . Lifting system  114  includes chains  126  engaged over chainwheels  132  and extending to and coupled with beam  130 . Chains  126  are coupled with beam  130  via chain plates  134 . Chains  126  may be coupled with beam  130  via other methods and techniques. Lifting system  114  includes movable frame  136  (also referred to herein as a “hoist frame”) movably coupled with frame track  140 . In  FIGS. 7A-7C , shiplift platform  112  is in the raised position, such that shiplift platform  112  is coplanar or substantially coplanar with yard  102 . 
     Lifting system  114  includes or is coupled with jack  137 . Jack  137  includes jack frame  138  and cylinder/rod, of which cylinder  161  is shown. Cylinder/rod may be a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder/rod. As shown and described in more detail below, jack  137  is capable of lifting the lifting system  114  or portions thereof and is capable of lifting shiplift platform  112 . 
     Lift cylinder  161  (e.g., chain jack lift cylinder) is connected to the lifting system  114  and protrudes downward therefrom towards beam  130  within cavity  131 . In operation, lifting system  114  and lift cylinder  161  may be lifted up with shiplift platform  112 , such as to avoid a clash between beam  130  and lift cylinder  161 . 
     Installation of Jacking Beams 
     In some embodiments, jack  137  includes jacking beams coupled with jack frame  138  and with frame  136  of lifting system  114 .  FIGS. 8A-8C  depict the installation of beams onto crossarms of frames  136  and  138 . Jacking beams  142  and  144  are coupled (e.g., bolted) with crossarms of frame  136  and frame  138 , respectively. While the jacking beams are shown as being separate parts that are coupled with frames  136  and  138 , in some embodiments, the jacking beams are integral with these frames. 
     Installation of Jacking Columns 
     In some embodiments, jack  137  includes jacking columns or legs.  FIGS. 9A-9C  depict the installation of jacking columns onto foundation  154  (e.g., concrete foundation) of yard  102 . Jacking columns  150  are coupled about and/or proximate lifting system  114 . While shown as including four jacking columns, the jack disclosed herein is not limited to having four jacking columns. Each jacking column  150  and each jacking beam  142  and  144  includes one or more holes  152  therethrough for selective engagement between jacking columns  150  and jacking beams  142  and  144 . For example, holes on jacking beams  142  and  144  can be aligned with holes on jacking columns  150 , and the jacking beams  142  and  144  can be pinned to the jacking columns  150  by inserting pins through the aligned holes. While shown as including holes for pinning or otherwise coupling jacking beams  142  and  144  with jacking columns  150 , the jacking beams and columns are not limited to such a structure. Furthermore, the jack  137  disclosed herein is not limited to the particular structure of jacking columns and beams, and may be or include other structures capable of jacking up the lifting systems and the shiplift platform above yard level  102 . 
     Jacking Up the Lifting System 
     To jack up the lifting system, the cylinder/rod of the jack is extended such that the lifting system or portions thereof are lifted upwards relative to the shipyard. With reference to  FIGS. 10A-10C , lifting system  114  is lifted upwards along direction  158  via extension of rod  160  relative to cylinder  161  (e.g., hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder). Rod  160  may be coupled with and between frame  136  and frame  138 , such that extension of rod  160  causes frame  136  to move upwards relative to frame  138 , while also raising chain wheels  132 . In the embodiment shown, frame  136  is the frame upon which chain wheels  132  are coupled, and frame  138  is the frame upon which rod  160 /cylinder  161  is mounted. The lifting of chain wheels  132 , as shown in  FIGS. 10A-10C , is performed with chains  126  decoupled from beam  130  (i.e., with lifting system  114  decoupled from shiplift platform  112 ). Also, prior to raising lifting system  114  using rod  160 , lifting system  114  is decoupled from foundation  154 , such as via unbolting frame  136  and/or frame  138  from foundation  154 . When rod  160  extends, jacking beam  142  (also referred to as a traveling crossarm) moves (e.g., slides) along tracks  140 . Lifting system  114  is lifted to a desired height, such that pin holes  152  in jacking beam  142  align with pin holes  152  in jacking columns  150 . At the desired height, jacking beam  142  is pinned to jacking columns  150  via pins  166  extending through the aligned pin holes  152 . The height in  FIGS. 10A-10C  correspond with the height of lifting system  114  after being lifted by a single stroke of rod  160 . The system disclosed herein is not limited to being pinned via pins, and may be coupled in another manner. Such pinning (or other coupling) maintains the raised position of lifting system  114 . In operation, this first extension of jacking rods  160  lifts lifting system  114 , and a second actuation of jacking rods lifts shiplift platform  112 . In typical operations, jacking rods  160  also function to facilitate the lifting of ships onto shiplift platform  112 . 
     Retraction of Cylinder and Jacking Up of Shiplift Platform 
     To lift the shiplift platform, the cylinder  161  of the jack  137  is retracted towards the lifting system  112 , such that the frame  138  and the shiplift platform  112  are lifted upwards relative to the yard  102 . With reference to  FIGS. 11A-11C , chains  126  are recoupled with beam  130  and cylinder  161  is retracted such that shiplift platform  112  is raised upwards along direction  158 . Also, fame  138  and jacking beam  144  are pulled upwards by retracting cylinder  161 . Jacking beam  144  is then pinned to jacking columns  150  via pins  166  extending through pin holes  152  in both jacking columns  150  and jacking beam  144  to maintain a position of both the jack. With this second actuation of jacking cylinder/rod, shiplift platform  112  is raised to a level that is above the level of yard  102 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 12A-12C , the process is repeated with another stroke of rod  160 . That is, pins  166  through jacking beam  142  and jacking columns  150  are removed from the position shown in  FIGS. 10A-10C , and rod  160  is extended to further raising lifting system  114 . Pins  166  are then re-installed through the aligned pin holes in jacking beam  142  and jacking columns  150  at a second desired height. Here, the second desired height corresponds with the height of lifting system  114  after being lifted by two strokes of rod  160 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 13A-13C , shiplift platform  112  is raised even higher relative to yard  102  than is shown in  FIGS. 11A-11C . Chains  126  are recoupled with beam  130  and cylinder  161  is retracted such that shiplift platform  112  is raised upwards along direction  158 . Also, fame  138  and jacking beam  144  are pulled upwards by retracting cylinder  161 , and jacking beam  144  is pinned to jacking columns legs  150  via pins  166  extending through pin holes  152  in both jacking columns  150  and jacking beam  144  to maintain a position of both the j ack. 
     In some embodiments, the systems and methods disclosed herein are capable of elevating a shiplift platform from a position even with or below yard level to another position that is above yard level, such as for periodic maintenance and painting of the shiplift platform. Such elevation of a shiplift platform above yard level is useful for operations that require access to the shiplift platform, gimbals, chains, chain plates, or other parts. Such elevation of a shiplift platform above yard level provides for safety and ease of execution of such maintenance and operations. 
     In contrast to winch systems, chain jacks can be separated from the concrete foundation to which the chain jacks are attached. As such, the “built-in” hydraulic jacking system disclosed herein is capable of raising the entire chain jack platform to any height necessary for access to the shiplift platform. While shown as being lifted by two cylinder strokes, the present disclosure is not limited to use of two cylinder strokes, and may include lifting using only one cylinder stroke or lifting using more than two cylinder strokes. One skilled in the art would understand that the number of actuations of the actuator, in order to lift both the lifting systems and shiplift platform, can be varied without departing from the scope of this disclosure. 
     One exemplary sequence of steps for elevating a shiplift platform includes: (1) uncoupling (e.g., unbolting) the lifting systems (e.g., chain jacks) from the concrete structural foundation of the shipyard; (2) placing a number (e.g., four) jacking systems (e.g., structural jacking columns) around each lifting system; (3) installing jacking beams onto cross arms of the lifting system; (4) disengaging traveling cross arm latch pins that hold a position of the traveling cross arm of the lifting systems; (5) extending the traveling cross arms; (6) inserting pins into the jacking columns and upper jacking beams; (7) retracting the chain jack, and lifting the fixed cross arm, chains, and platform in unison; (8) inserting pins into the jacking columns and lower jacking beams; (9) extending the chain jack until the load transfers to the lower jacking beams; (10) removing the pins from the upper jacking beams; (11) continuing to extend the chain jack to prepare for the second lifting stroke; (12) inserting pins into the jacking columns and upper jacking beams; (13) retracting the chain jack to continue lifting the shiplift platform for the second stroke; and (14) inserting pins into the jacking columns and upper jacking beams. 
     In one particular embodiment, each stroke of the cylinder lifts the shiplift platform, chains, gimbals and chain jacks by 565 mm, and two strokes lifts the shiplift platform, chains, gimbals and chain jacks by 1130 mm. The systems and methods disclosed herein are not limited to 565 mm strokes, and may include strokes that are less than or greater than 565 mm. The height of the jacking columns can be selected to provide a desired length for a desired number of strokes to achieve a desired shiplift platform height after lift. The number of pin holes in the jacking columns can be designed to provide a gradience of locations along the jacking columns that matches the gradience of the cylinder strokes. That is, the jacking columns can have pin holes that are spaced by a distance along the jacking columns that is equal to the stroke distance (e.g., 565 mm). The systems and methods disclosed herein may also be used to install shiplift platforms, such as during the construction stage of a project that includes constructing a shiplift platform at a shipyard. 
     The systems and methods disclosed herein provide the ability to jack up the lifting systems to provide access for maintenance, and provide the ability to lower (jack down) the lifting systems for other operations. As a further example, when transferring a ship that has been lifted laterally onto land over the top of the lifting systems, the profile of the hoists are kept low (jacked down) to provide space for movement of the ship there-above (e.g., see  FIG. 6 ). Also, when the lifting systems are raised up, it may be difficult to access the lifting systems for maintenance thereof; thus, the lifting systems may be in the lowered (jacked down) position to provide access for maintenance. 
     While the lifting systems and jack are shown and described as being used to lift shiplift platforms, the systems disclosed herein are not limited to being used for lifting shiplift platforms, and may be used to lift other structures. Also, the lifting systems and jack shown and described herein are not limited to the particular structures and arrangements shown. The lifting system may be another structure capable of lifting a shiplift platform, and the jack may be another structure capable of lifting the lifting system and shiplift platform. 
     Winch and Temporary Jack 
     While the embodiments shown and described herein include the use of a rotary chain jack for lifting both the shiplift platform and the chainwheel, the systems and methods disclosed herein are not limited to use of a rotary chain jack, and may include other structures or combinations of structures that are capable, individually or in combination, of lifting both the shiplift platform and the hoist. For example, and without limitation, in some embodiments the hoists of the shiplift platform are or include a plurality of winches coupled with the shiplift platform for lifting and lowering the shiplift platform. In some embodiments, the winches can be used to lift the shiplift platform to a position that is coplanar or substantially coplanar with the yard level, and then jacks can be positioned to engage with the winches to lift the winches (disconnected from the yard), followed by additional lifting of the shiplift platform to a level that is above the yard level. In some such embodiments, the jacks are separate structures from the winches and are not integral with the winches. For example, the jacks can be temporary jacks that are temporarily positioned at the shiplift to lift up the winches and shiplift platform, the position of which may then be maintained (pinned off) as described elsewhere herein (e.g., using the jacking columns and beams). In some such embodiments, the jacks are “pancake” jacks. The jacks can be installed under the winches to lift the winches up along with the shiplift platform. In some embodiments, the winches (e.g., winch frames) are coupled with or engaged with the jacks such that the jacks, reacting between the winches and the foundation of the yard (e.g., concrete foundation) impart force onto the winches to push the winches upwards relative to the yard. 
     Some Exemplary Embodiments 
     Embodiment 1. A shipyard, the shipyard comprising: a yard, the yard defining a yard level; a shiplift platform positioned adjacent the yard; a lifting system coupled with the yard, the lifting system comprising: a hoist coupled with a hoist frame, wherein the hoist is capable of coupling with the shiplift platform and raising and lowering the shiplift platform relative to the yard level; and a jack, the jack comprising an actuator coupled with a jack frame and with the hoist frame, wherein the actuator is actuable to raise the hoist above the yard level and is actuable to raise the shiplift platform above the yard level. 
     Embodiment 2. The shipyard of embodiment 1, wherein the actuator is actuable into at least two positions including a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the hoist frame and the jack frame are spaced apart by a first distance, wherein in the second position the hoist frame and the jack frame are spaced apart by a second distance, and wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance. 
     Embodiment 3. The shipyard of embodiment 2, wherein the actuator is a linear actuator, wherein the first position is a retracted position of the linear actuator and the second position is an extended position of the linear actuator. 
     Embodiment 4. The shipyard of embodiment 3, wherein the linear actuator is a hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric jack comprising a rod movably engaged within a cylinder, wherein one of the rod or the cylinder is coupled with the hoist frame, and wherein the other of the rod and the cylinder is coupled with the jack frame. 
     Embodiment 5. The shipyard of any of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the jack comprises a jacking column capable of being coupled with the yard; wherein, with the jacking column coupled with the yard, the hoist frame is capable of being coupled with the jacking column to maintain a position of the hoist frame relative to the jacking column; and wherein, with the jacking column coupled with the yard, the jack frame is capable of being coupled with the jacking column to maintain a position of the jack frame relative to the jacking column. 
     Embodiment 6. The shipyard of embodiment 5, further comprising jacking beams capable of coupling the hoist frame with the jacking column to maintain the position of the hoist relative to the jacking column and capable of coupling the jack frame with the jacking column to maintain the position of the jack frame relative to the jacking column. 
     Embodiment 7. The shipyard of any of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the lifting system comprises a rotary chain jack, the rotary chain jack comprising a chainwheel, a chain coupled with the chainwheel, wherein the chain is capable of being coupled with the shiplift platform. 
     Embodiment 8. A shiplift, the shiplift comprising: a shiplift platform; a lifting system comprising: a hoist coupled with a hoist frame, wherein the hoist is capable of coupling with the shiplift platform and raising and lowering the shiplift platform; a jack, the jack comprising an actuator coupled with a jack frame and with the hoist frame, wherein the actuator is actuable to raise the hoist and is actuable to raise the shiplift platform. 
     Embodiment 9. The shiplift of embodiment 8, wherein the actuator is actuable into at least two positions including a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the hoist frame and the jack frame are spaced apart by a first distance, wherein in the second position the hoist frame and the jack frame are spaced apart by a second distance, and wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance. 
     Embodiment 10. The shiplift of embodiment 9, wherein the actuator is a linear actuator, wherein the first position is a retracted position of the linear actuator and the second position is an extended position of the linear actuator. 
     Embodiment 11. The shiplift of embodiment 10, wherein the linear actuator is a hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric jack comprising a rod movably engaged within a cylinder, wherein one of the rod or the cylinder is coupled with the hoist frame, and wherein the other of the rod and the cylinder is coupled with the jack frame. 
     Embodiment 12. The shiplift of any of embodiments 8 to 11, wherein the jack comprises a jacking, wherein the hoist frame is capable of being coupled with the jacking column to maintain a position of the hoist frame relative to the jacking column, and wherein the jack frame is capable of being coupled with the jacking column to maintain a position of the jack frame relative to the jacking column. 
     Embodiment 13. The shiplift of embodiment 12, further comprising jacking beams capable of coupling the hoist frame with the jacking column to maintain the position of the hoist relative to the jacking column and capable of coupling the jack frame with the jacking column to maintain the position of the jack frame relative to the jacking column. 
     Embodiment 14. The shiplift of any of embodiments 8 to 13, wherein the lifting system comprises a rotary chain jack, the rotary chain jack comprising a chainwheel, a chain coupled with the chainwheel, wherein the chain is capable of being coupled with the shiplift platform. 
     Embodiment 15. A rotary chain jack, the rotary chain jack comprising: a hoist coupled with a hoist frame; a jack, the jack comprising an actuator coupled with a jack frame and with the hoist frame. 
     Embodiment 16. The rotary chain jack of embodiment 15, wherein the actuator is actuable into at least two positions including a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the hoist frame and the jack frame are spaced apart by a first distance, wherein in the second position the hoist frame and the jack frame are spaced apart by a second distance, and wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance. 
     Embodiment 17. The rotary chain jack of embodiment 16, wherein the actuator is a linear actuator, wherein the first position is a retracted position of the linear actuator and the second position is an extended position of the linear actuator. 
     Embodiment 18. The rotary chain jack of embodiment 17, wherein the linear actuator is a hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric jack comprising a rod movably engaged within a cylinder, wherein one of the rod or the cylinder is coupled with the hoist frame, and wherein the other of the rod and the cylinder is coupled with the jack frame. 
     Embodiment 19. The rotary chain jack of any of embodiments 15 to 18, wherein the jack comprises a jacking, wherein the hoist frame is capable of being coupled with the jacking column to maintain a position of the hoist frame relative to the jacking column, and wherein the jack frame is capable of being coupled with the jacking column to maintain a position of the jack frame relative to the jacking column. 
     Embodiment 20. The rotary chain jack of embodiment 19, further comprising jacking beams capable of coupling the hoist frame with the jacking column to maintain the position of the hoist relative to the jacking column and capable of coupling the jack frame with the jacking column to maintain the position of the jack frame relative to the jacking column. 
     Embodiment 21. The rotary chain jack of any of embodiments 15 to 20, wherein the hoist comprises a chainwheel and a chain coupled with the chainwheel. 
     Embodiment 22. A method of lifting a shiplift platform above a yard level of a shipyard, the method comprising: jacking-up a hoist, wherein the hoist is positioned adjacent the shiplift platform at the shipyard, wherein, during the jacking-up of the hoist, the hoist is decoupled from the shiplift platform, and wherein the jacking-up of the hoist comprises raising the hoist, relative to the yard level, from a first hoist height to a second hoist height; securing the hoist at the second hoist height; coupling the hoist, at the second hoist height, with the shiplift platform; with the hoist at the second hoist height and coupled with the shiplift platform, jacking-up the shiplift platform by raising the shiplift platform toward the hoist, from a first platform height to a second platform height; and securing the shiplift platform at the second platform height. 
     Embodiment 23. The method of embodiment 22, wherein the jacking-up of the hoist and the jacking-up of the shiplift platform are performed until the shiplift platform is raised above the yard level. 
     Embodiment 24. The method of any of embodiments 22 or 23, wherein the jacking-up is performed using a jack comprising an actuator coupled with a jack frame and coupled with a hoist frame of the hoist. 
     Embodiment 25. The method of embodiment 24, wherein the actuator is actuable into at least two positions including a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the hoist frame and the jack frame are spaced apart by a first distance, wherein in the second position the hoist frame and the jack frame are spaced apart by a second distance, and wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance. 
     Embodiment 26. The method of embodiment 25, wherein the actuator is a linear actuator, wherein the first position is a retracted position of the linear actuator and the second position is an extended position of the linear actuator. 
     Embodiment 27. The method of embodiment 26, wherein the linear actuator is a hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric jack comprising a rod movably engaged within a cylinder, wherein one of the rod or the cylinder is coupled with the hoist frame, and wherein the other of the rod and the cylinder is coupled with the jack frame. 
     Embodiment 28. The method of any of embodiments 24 to 27, wherein the jack comprises a jacking column, and wherein the jacking-up comprises coupling the jacking column with the shipyard adjacent the hoist; wherein securing the hoist at the second hoist height comprises coupling the hoist frame with the jacking column to maintain a position of the hoist frame relative to the jacking column; and wherein securing the shiplift platform at the second platform height comprises coupling the jack frame with the jacking column to maintain a position of the jack frame relative to the jacking column. 
     Embodiment 29. The method of embodiment 28, wherein securing the hoist at the second hoist height comprises coupling jacking beams with both the hoist frame and the jacking column, and wherein securing the shiplift platform at the second platform height comprises coupling jacking beams with both the jack frame and with the jacking column. 
     Embodiment 30. The method of embodiment 27, wherein jacking-up the hoist comprises extending the rod to push the hoists upwards relative to the yard level, and wherein the jacking-up of the shiplift platform comprises retracting the rod to pull the shiplift upwards towards the hoists. 
     Embodiment 31. The method of any of embodiments 22 to 30, wherein, prior to jacking-up the hoist, the hoist is de-coupled from the shipyard. 
     Embodiment 32. The method of any of embodiments 22 to 31, wherein the shipyard comprises a plurality of hoists positioned adjacent the shiplift platform at the shipyard, and wherein each hoist comprises a hoist frame and a jack comprising an actuator coupled with a jack frame and coupled with a hoist frame of that hoist, the method comprising jacking-up the plurality of hoists relative to the yard level and jacking-up the shiplift platform by raising the shiplift platform toward the plurality of hoists. 
     Embodiment 33. The method of embodiment 32, wherein the plurality of hoists are jacked-up synchronously. 
     Embodiment 34. The method of any of embodiments 22 to 33, further comprising performing maintenance on the shiplift platform while the shiplift platform is raised above the yard level. 
     Although the present embodiments and advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.