Abstract: A shipshaped vessel adapted to transport cargo, in an arrangement: to retard free fall of slurry kind cargo loading pivotally mounted clamshell bucket halves, to transport slurry in clamshell buckets immersed below sea surface, to moor above a ballast-ladened dock immersed at a terminal, to angularly open clamshell halves to discharge slurry upon porous hoppers atop the lock, with the vessel departed deballast the dock to buoyantly surface hoppers to drain off water, to remotely open hopper bottomed gate valves to selectively load conveyor belts for cargo discharge into terminal hopper.

Abstract: A device comprising a system of switches and sensors placed inside a person's footgear which send positional information through wireless telemetry from a transmitter to a receiver. This positional information is entered into a computer and processed according to prestored algorithms, yielding a non-dimensional ambulation index. This invention also comprises a method for calculating the non-dimensional ambulation index.

Abstract: A high rate, low-temperature deposition of amorphous carbon films is produced by PE-CVD in the presence of a fluorinated or other halide gas. The deposition can be performed at less than 100.degree. C., including ambient room temperature, with a radio frequency plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition process. With less than 6.5 atomic percent fluorine incorporated into the amorphous carbon film, the characteristics of the carbon film, including index of refraction, mass density, optical clarity, and chemical resistance are within fifteen percent (15%) of those characteristics for pure amorphous carbon films, but the deposition rates are high.

Abstract: An arrangement for loading and discharging cargo to and from a fleet of alike vessels in a timely sequence of arrivals between two terminals, organized to maintain a vessel's elevation at a constant position during the exchange of cargo to and from a vessel, with voyages completed by a passage in full draft condition with bulk cargo loaded holds to the discharge terminal and a return passage in ballast condition commensurate with deck cargo to the loading terminal.

Abstract: A system to transport containers for ports of call by Feeders serving a trade area with each area having an associated terminal located intermittently along a specific route as stops for a fleet of superships (Cellers); there to directly exchange its import cargo containers for export cargo containers borne by a lay-to (LT) left to await a Celler arrival. All terminals are similarly arranged for approach and mooring of vessels and have a floating crane devised for cyclical exchange of containers between vessels with accommodation and control features suiting worldwide utility.

Abstract: A towline connected tug and LT at sea is rearranged as an articulatively integrated tow in sheltered waters to moor the LT or to make sternway in channels with a fair tide by a stern thrustor pivotally mounted to the transom of the LT or for a horizontal above water stowed position at sea.

Abstract: A readily alterable arrangement, to suit the need at sea and in coastal inlet passages for control and disposition of vessels, comprises: pulled barges outfitted with a condition responsive linkage mechanism for implementing a rudder, towlines conveying propulsive force to barges, and tugs continually employed in tow or exchange of barges being loaded/unloaded in the interim of tug port calls. The linkage mechanism, dependent upon a pivotal beam mounted forwardly of the barge mass center, imparts propulsive force on the longitudinal centerline or at either barge side as transmitted to the pivotal beam ends by a bridle leg arranged towline terminal.

Abstract: A system to effect the exchange of containers by a floating crane between vessels changing draft respective the loading change of each. A means facilitates the spotting of the crane hoisting apparatus which includes an automatic locking arrangement engaging a container to the hoisting apparatus.

Abstract: A readily alterable arrangement, to suit the need at sea and in coastal inlet passages for control and disposition of vessels, comprises: pulled barges outfitted with a condition responsive linkage mechanism for implementing a rudder, towlines conveying propulsive force to barges, and tugs continually employed in tow or exchange of barges being loaded/unloaded in the interim of tug port calls. The linkage mechanism, dependent upon a pivotal beam mounted forwardly of the barge mass center, imparts propulsive force on the longitudinal centerline or at either barge side as transmitted to the pivotal beam ends by a bridle leg arranged towline terminal.