Abstract: A double-ended, flat-bottomed hull, having a length to beam ratio of approximately 2 to 1+, with sides tapering from amidships to the pointed ends respectively. Two octagonal (in cross-section) end columns and two larger rectangular beam columns are equally spaced around the perimeter of the hull for supporting a work deck thereabove, for providing columnar storage rather than work deck storage and a lower center of gravity, and for eliminating external trussing. The configuration of the hull substantially increases its natural heaving period, and, coupled with an added-mass factor increased by chamfering the hull perimeter between columns and breakwaters mounted on an end and a beam, extend the range of wave height and period range of seas in which the barge can operate and avoid resonance and substantial beam wave effect.

Abstract: A flywheel tree feller is slidably mounted in a base and comprises a combination drive and saw chain peripherally engaging and driving a circular saw bar sprocket in flywheel rotation with no relative rotational motion therebetween. The circular saw bar sprocket is the outer flywheel race of a ball bearing, the inner stationary race of which is supported semi-peripherally to eliminate a center hub and supporting axle thereby cross-cutting for more than the full radius of the flywheel race, rather than a lesser chord, and thus to fell larger trees. A pusher for biasing a cut tree from falling in the direction of the flywheel feller is mounted on the base and also a pair of reaction grapples for loosely closing around a tree to hold the base against reaction displacement by the operating forces of flywheel feller and pusher.

Abstract: Upper and lower parts of an upright structure are horizontally articulated, and the structure pivoted to a power train below the point of articulation. The axes of pivot and articulation are parallel, the upright structure being pivotable as a whole and in part past the vertical both forwardly and rearwardly with respect to the power train. The upper part comprises a tree trunk gripper longitudinally spaced from and between a pair of trunk stabilizers, and the lower part comprises a stump gripper spaced below a chain saw and sheath which are pivoted to initially engage the forward part of a tree and cut rearwardly, the cut being opened by pivoting the upper part rearwardly around the axis of articulation. All relatively movable parts are actuated by hydraulic apparatus mounted on the upright structure and connected to an auxiliary hydraulic power system of the power train.

Abstract: Connecting adjacent units of a tow with rigid loosely interlocking connections and preloading the connections beyond the limit of expected tow loads for any inland waterway conditions to be encountered. Preloading is accomplished by inflating hollow cushions inserted uninflated between loosely interlocked parts.

Abstract: A rotary engine having an annular cylinder with more than one piston drivable in rotation therein, the pistons being fixed respectively to concentric hollow shafts that are thereby independently rotated thereby around their concentric axis. Crank members, at least one per piston, are mounted in ball races that are eccentrically fixed to the respective concentric shafts, the crank members extending diametrically across their respective concentric shafts. An eccentric drive shaft displaced radially from the axis of the concentric shafts mounted for rotation in and extending through said concentric shafts, the eccentric shaft defining diametric holes for slidably engaging the crank members without loss of rotational motion while allowing the crank members to move simultaneously toward the away respectively from the eccentric shaft axis at constantly varying speeds and directions to thereby rotate the eccentric shaft.

Abstract: A gripping arm for addition to tree harvesting apparatus having chain saw means, the arm being operable in opposition to a tree engaging anvil. The arm is angled and pivotally mounted on the underside of the tree engaging anvil and adapted to be hydraulically operated by its own controls simultaneously with the chain saw means. The arm swings below and parallel to the path of the chain saw means to engage and grip a tree to be harvested between itself and the tree engaging anvil as near to the ground as possible or convenient, thereby anchoring the tree harvesting apparatus to the stump part of the tree during and after its felling. The engaging edge of the arm and a lower engaging edge of opposition part of the tree engaging anvil are tapered downwardly to penetrate the stump part to firmly anchor the apparatus thereto. An upper engaging edge of the anvil is flat to non-penetrably engage the harvestable part of the tree.