Importance

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Abstract

In an embodiment of the invention as depicted, buoyant flotation devices are tethered in a spaced-apart circumjacency to a water-bound and partially water-submerged object, to protect the object from ice-caused or impact-caused damage. The flotation devices are of sufficient number and in sufficient proximity to each other, to define a water-surface area about the object which is substantially closed. The devices are yieldable, to allow an ice formation to insinuate itself or expand the defined area, and freely deform if impacted by a floating article or vessel. In further embodiments of the invention, an area-shrouding canopy is secure to the to-be-protected object and to the flotation devices, to establish and maintain a temperature difference, within the shrouded area, over that which obtains outside of the shroud or canopy. Also, conduits coupled to the flotation devices promote a water current flow, between lower water depths and upper depths, again to establish and maintain such an aforesaid temperature difference within the defined area.

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First Claim