Abstract: The invention relates to a device for removal and deposition of loads between two supports in repeated relative vertical movement. The device consists essentially of a crane close to the high point of the support on which said load rests in its rising movement for lifting the load. To do this, the lifting device suspended from the hook of the lifting crane comprises a structure supporting a winch, a detection device for the winding in or out of the cable wound by said winch and brakes adapted to block the paying out of said cable when its winding ceases momentarily, that is to say when the speed of lifting of the crane is equal to the decreasing speed of heaving of the support. The device is applicable to the unloading of ships supplying off-shore platforms.

Abstract: A hydraulically or pneumatically controlled device for locking a piston in he bore of its cylinder at any point of its stroke, comprises, mounted on the piston, fluid-tight seals, a series of wedges, and annular jacks incorporated in the piston. The wedges are arranged to move in translation parallel to the axis of the cylinder under the effect of the annular jacks so as to absorb the increase in the radial plays between the piston and the bore of the cylinder on its pressurization. This peripheral extension which is produced between the bottom of the cylinder on its intake side and the fluid-tight end seal of the piston spaced furthest from it, is followed, after the release of the lateral walls of the cylinder, by a retraction of the lateral walls of the cylinder acting on the outer surface of the wedges. The latter exert a grip on the piston thus effecting positive locking by binding of the cylinder and of the piston.

Abstract: A pusher tug and barge in combination joined rigidly yet separately in tandem to form a single pusher type seagoing unit in which the two vessels are interconnected via hydraulic compression members combined with pressure accumulators.

Abstract: A system for interconnecting a barge and a pusher tug in which the stern of the barge is provided with a groove having a cross-section complementary to that of the bow of a pusher tug which it is to receive in mating engagement. The mated vessels define a clearance zone and are held together by a connecting rod. The two vessels are provided in the said clearance zone with support plates and inflatable compression devices such as inflatable cushions.

Abstract: Cargo transfer device for transferring heavy loads at sea between ships or ship and an off-shore platform. In one embodiment the device essentially comprises an inverted V-shaped cargo boom including two booms pivoted together at their top ends and to the respective ships at their bottom ends. A manoeuvering cable with its winch brings the cargo boom into position once the ships are coupled together. A lifting cable with its associated winch lifts the load at the beginning and end of the transfer operation. The transfer operation per se is insured by a traction cable with its winch and a restraining cable with its winch. This arrangement of three cables acting in three different directions prevents pendular movement of the load during transfer. The resultant force exerted by the device tends to maintain the ships at a distance from each other. In the other embodiment a crane is provided on the supply ship having its boom pivotally mounted about a horizontal pivot.