Abstract: Hydraulic system for controlling tug-barge cables. A closed hydraulic loop is connected to a cylinder and includes a pump to reciprocate the piston and to apply constant tension through the cylinder and piston to the cables.

Abstract: A barge which is capable of offloading bulk cargoes to dockside without requiring assistance from onshore equipment or other floating equipment. The barge has a movable auger support housing and a to move the housing. An auger container is pivotably mounted to the housing with a rotating screwshaped auger mounted within the container. A first conveyor is located within the support housing to transport bulk cargo from the auger which lifts the cargo, from a lower level to a higher level, to a second conveyor located along the edge of the cargo hold. A moveable third conveyor is positioned to receive cargo from the second conveyor and to transport the material off the barge.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for securing a vessel to a stationary mooring, which apparatus permits shifting movement of the vessel in a fore and aft direction relative to the mooring while restricting movement away from the mooring. The combination comprises docking lines extending fore and aft from the vessel to the mooring to cause shifting movement of the vessel in a fore and aft direction, an elongated rail affixed to the vessel and extending substantially parallel to its longitudinal axis, a breasting dolly embracing the rail and shiftable freely fore and aft on the rail, and a breasting line secured to the dolly and extending laterally of the fore and aft direction and fixed to the mooring in a manner to restrict the dolly and rail against movement away from the mooring.