Systems and Methods Useful in Stabilizing Platforms and Vessels Having Platforms and Legs

Abstract

Systems and methods useful in maintaining the position of a platform along three or more legs.

1 . A system useful in maintaining the position of a platform along three or more legs to which the platform is coupled, one of the legs having one more or racks secured thereto, the platform coupled to one or more pinions configured to engage the one or more racks, the one or more pinions also configured for use in raising or lowering the platform along the three or more legs, the system comprising: 
 a first holding rack configured to engage one of the one or more racks; and    a first holding rack actuator configured to cause the first holding rack to engage one of the one or more racks.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first holding rack is attached to a ring configured to surround the leg to which one of the one or more racks is secured.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the ring rests in a recess in the platform.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the first holding rack is coupled to the ring through the first holding rack actuator.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first holding rack actuator is a hydraulic first holding rack actuator.  
   
   
       6 . A method of maintaining the position of a platform along three or more legs, each of the three or more legs having a lower end, the method comprising: 
 increasing the distance between the lower ends of the legs and the platform until the platform reaches a first position; and    substantially maintaining the platform at the first position;    wherein the substantially maintaining includes contacting at least one rack secured to at least one of the legs with at least one non-pinion structure.    
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one non-pinion structure includes a holding rack configured to engage the at least one rack.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one non-pinion structure includes a ring having a holding rack configured to engage the at least one rack.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein two or more racks are secured to at least one of the legs, wherein the substantially maintaining includes contacting at two of the two or more racks with at least two non-pinion structures, each non-pinion structure coupled to the platform, and wherein each of the at least two non-pinion structures includes a holding rack, each holding rack configured to engage one of the two or more racks.