The invention relates to a semisubmersible float, in particular for an offshore wind turbine, comprising at least four columns, including a central column and three outer columns connected to the central column by arms in the form of a pontoon, the outer columns and the pontoon arms comprising ballasts, is characterized in that the ballasts are filled by gravity and emptied using compressed air.

Examples include a spar buoy for use in water, the spar buoy including a bottom section configured to be completely submerged and having a first average diameter, the bottom section including an anchor cable attachment device, a top section configured to be partially submerged, the top section including an aerial tether attachment device, an intermediate section configured to be completely submerged and having a second average diameter that is greater than the first average diameter, where the intermediate section is disposed between the bottom section and the top section, the intermediate section including a buoyancy chamber having a first density less than the water, and a ballast material disposed in the bottom section and having a second density greater than or equal to the water, where the spar buoy is configured to exhibit a particular buoyancy-to-weight ratio and a particular moment ratio when in the water.

Examples include a spar buoy for use in water, the spar buoy including a bottom section configured to be completely submerged and having a first average diameter, the bottom section including an anchor cable attachment device, a top section configured to be partially submerged, the top section including an aerial tether attachment device, an intermediate section configured to be completely submerged and having a second average diameter that is greater than the first average diameter, where the intermediate section is disposed between the bottom section and the top section, the intermediate section including a buoyancy chamber having a first density less than the water, and a ballast material disposed in the bottom section and having a second density greater than or equal to the water, where the spar buoy is configured to exhibit a particular buoyancy-to-weight ratio and a particular moment ratio when in the water.

The invention relates to a floating and submersible high-sea aquaculture installation. The objective of the present invention is to create a floating and submersible high-sea aquaculture installation that offers better stability, particularly in its submerged or semi-submerged state. According to the invention, this objective is achieved by a floating and submersible high-sea aquaculture installation (1) comprising a structure (2), fish-rearing cages (3) and at least two first adjustable-ballast floats (4) which are located in the bottom third of the structure (2). The installation (1) according to the invention is characterized in that it further comprises at least two second floats (7) which are located in the top third (8) of the structure and which are able to support at most 50% of the weight of the structure.

The invention relates to a floating and submersible high-sea aquaculture installation. The objective of the present invention is to create a floating and submersible high-sea aquaculture installation that offers better stability, particularly in its submerged or semi-submerged state. According to the invention, this objective is achieved by a floating and submersible high-sea aquaculture installation (1) comprising a structure (2), fish-rearing cages (3) and at least two first adjustable-ballast floats (4) which are located in the bottom third of the structure (2). The installation (1) according to the invention is characterized in that it further comprises at least two second floats (7) which are located in the top third (8) of the structure and which are able to support at most 50% of the weight of the structure.

Embodiments include a retrofit pontoon system including a pontoon, the pontoon having a pontoon body defining a first cavity, the pontoon body having a first aperture; a retrofit assembly, the retrofit assembly including a selectively fillable container sized to pass through the first aperture; and a pump. The pump is operably coupled with the selectively fillable container such that operation of the pump selectively fills and drains water from the selectively fillable container, wherein filling the selectively fillable container lowers the profile of the pontoon in the water and emptying the selectively fillable container raises the profile of the pontoon in the water.

Embodiments include a retrofit pontoon system including a pontoon, the pontoon having a pontoon body defining a first cavity, the pontoon body having a first aperture; a retrofit assembly, the retrofit assembly including a selectively fillable container sized to pass through the first aperture; and a pump. The pump is operably coupled with the selectively fillable container such that operation of the pump selectively fills and drains water from the selectively fillable container, wherein filling the selectively fillable container lowers the profile of the pontoon in the water and emptying the selectively fillable container raises the profile of the pontoon in the water.

Hydraulic pump-accessory assemblies are provided for engines. The assemblies may include: an accessory pulley or gear configured to engage a drive belt or chain of an engine; and a hydraulic pump operatively engaging the pulley or gear to be driven by the engine. Engines are provided that can include: a crankshaft pulley or gear operably engaging a belt or chain to convey power to one or more accessories; an accessory pulley or gear operably engaged by the belt or chain; and a hydraulic pump operatively engaging the accessory pulley or gear to receive power from the belt or chain. Methods for modifying an engine are also provided. The methods can include operatively engaging a hydraulic motor to the pulley or gear of an accessory configured to be operably engaged with a belt or chain of the engine.

Hydraulic pump-accessory assemblies are provided for engines. The assemblies may include: an accessory pulley or gear configured to engage a drive belt or chain of an engine; and a hydraulic pump operatively engaging the pulley or gear to be driven by the engine. Engines are provided that can include: a crankshaft pulley or gear operably engaging a belt or chain to convey power to one or more accessories; an accessory pulley or gear operably engaged by the belt or chain; and a hydraulic pump operatively engaging the accessory pulley or gear to receive power from the belt or chain. Methods for modifying an engine are also provided. The methods can include operatively engaging a hydraulic motor to the pulley or gear of an accessory configured to be operably engaged with a belt or chain of the engine.

Boat propulsion assemblies are provided that can include: a water pump operatively coupled to a first conduit in fluid communication with one portion of a hull of the boat; and a water source in fluid communication with the water pump. Methods for propelling a boat are also provided that can include using a water pump to express water outwardly from one portion of a hull and propelling the boat.

Propulsion assemblies may also be configured with: a first conduit extending from a first portion of a hull of the boat to a second portion of the hull of the boat; and a first pump operatively aligned along the first conduit and configured to convey water between the first and second portions of the hull of the boat. Methods for propelling a boat can also include: intaking water at a first portion of the hull of the boat; conveying the water to a second portion of the hull of the boat; and expressing the water at the second portion of the hull to propel the boat.

Boat propulsion assemblies of the present disclosure can also include: an underwater member moveable in relation to the boat; and a conduit operably engaged with the member and configured to express water from a portion of the member. Methods for propelling a boat can additionally include expressing water from an underwater member to move the boat.