Magnetic docking apparatus and method for using the same

A method for magnetically docking a vessel to another object, comprising:

• attaching a magnetic docking apparatus to a vessel, wherein the magnetic docking apparatus includes a support member having a fastener and an electromagnet attached thereto, and the magnetic docking apparatus is adjustably operable so that the position of the electromagnet with respect to the fastener is adjustable;
• positioning the vessel proximate a docking point that includes a ferrous object;
• energizing the electromagnet to create a magnetic attraction between the electromagnet and the ferrous object, wherein the magnetic attraction causes the vessel to be held at the docking point;
• and
• de-energizing the electromagnet to release the vessel from the docking point.

A system for magnetically docking a vessel at a docking point, comprising:

• a ferrous object;
• and
• a magnetic docking apparatus, comprising:
• a support member having an electromagnet attached thereto, the support member including a fastener for attaching the magnetic docking apparatus to the vessel, wherein the support member and the fastener are cooperatively operable to position the electromagnet external to the vessel, and when the vessel is positioned proximate the docking point that includes the ferrous object, the magnetic docking apparatus is operable to:
• energizing the electromagnet to create a magnetic attraction between the electromagnet and the ferrous object, wherein the magnetic attraction causes the vessel to be held at the docking point;
• and
• de-energizing the electromagnet to release the vessel from the docking point.

A method for magnetically docking a vessel to another object, comprising:

• attaching a magnetic docking apparatus to vessel, wherein the magnetic docking apparatus includes a support member having an electromagnet attached thereto;
• positioning the vessel proximate a second vessel that includes a ferrous object;
• energizing the electromagnet to create a magnetic attraction between the electromagnet and the ferrous object, wherein the magnetic attraction causes the vessel to be held proximate the second vessel;
• and
• de-energizing the electromagnet to release the vessel from the second vessel.

A method for magnetically docking a vessel to another object, comprises:

• positioning a vessel that includes a magnetic docking apparatus proximate a docking point that includes a ferrous object, wherein the magnetic docking apparatus includes a support member having a fastener and an electromagnet attached thereto, and the magnetic docking apparatus is adjustably operable so that the position of the electromagnet with respect to the fastener is adjustable;
• energizing the electromagnet to create a magnetic attraction between the electromagnet and the ferrous object, wherein the magnetic attraction causes the vessel to be held at the docking point;
• and
• de-energizing the electromagnet to release the vessel from the docking point.

A method for magnetically docking a vessel to another object, comprises:

• positioning a vessel that includes a magnetic docking apparatus proximate a second vessel that includes a ferrous object, wherein the magnetic docking apparatus includes a support member having an electromagnet attached thereto;
• energizing the electromagnet to create a magnetic attraction between the electromagnet and the ferrous object, wherein the magnetic attraction causes the vessel to be held proximate the second vessel;
• and
• de-energizing the electromagnet to release the vessel from the second vessel.