Abstract: An electro-magnetic coupling apparatus for use with a tug and barge tow includes a bumper frame which is pivotally carried by the tug. The bumper frame includes a bearing surface that is positioned to bear against the barge so that a load transfer between the tug and the barge occurs at the bearing surface. A magnetic coupling preferably in the form of a plurality of coil members is carried at the load transfer surface for developing a magnetic field which can form a connection between the barge and the tug. An electrical power source is carried by the tug for energizing the magnetic field and a powered guide comprising a powered sheave and a pair of lines extending from the sheave to the barge defines a steering mechanism for angling the bumper frame and tug with respect to each other when maneuvering to each barge while making up a tow of several barges, for example.

Abstract: A construction transportation system comprises at least one transport assembly having gross dimensions generally corresponding to those of a standard freight container. The transport assembly comprises at least two construction components. Each of the two construction components has a first gross dimension whose maximum value is generally equal to C.sub.1 /x, where C.sub.1 is the width of a standard freight container, and x is greater than or equal to 1. Each of the two components has a second gross dimension perpendicular to the first dimension whose maximum value is generally equal to C.sub.2 /y, where C.sub.2 is the length of a standard freight container, and y is greater than 1. Each of the two components has a third gross dimension perpendicular to the first and second dimensions. At least a first side of each of the two components extends in the directions of that components' first and third dimensions, and that first side is provided with connectors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for towing an offshore structure which is protected from damage caused by ice impinging on the walls of the structure when the apparatus is not in use by positioning a retractable towing shackle within a recess in an outer wall of the structure.

Abstract: A rope anchor for use in situations in which frequent attachment and removal of the rope is required. The anchor has a U-shaped bracket which is secured to a support such as the transom of a boat. The bracket has a central finger midway between and parallel to the bracket legs. The portion of the finger adjacent its attachment to the closed end of the bracket is in the same plane as the bracket legs but the inner end of the finger is bent out of this plane at a minor angle. The legs have stops which position the bracket such that the end of the finger is so spaced from the surface of the bracket support as to create a passage for the rope less than the normal diameter of the rope but large enough to permit the rope to be passed through it when the rope has been diametrically squeezed in one direction. This prevents inadvertent release of the rope when it is slack.

Abstract: Coupler assemblies for permitting the selective connection of two or more barges or other water borne floating vessels or structures wherein one or more pairs of vertically spaced coupler boxes are united in fluid tight communication with one another along one or more side walls of such vessels or structures in such a manner as to be open through the side walls, decks and bottom walls thereof and wherein upper and lower opposing coupler boxes of adjacent vessels or structures are united by upper and lower longitudinally extending connector pins which are retained in assembled relationship within opposing coupler boxes by first and second vertically oriented wedge pins which are accessible from the decks of the respective vessels or structures.

Abstract: Improved lock assemblies for locking two construction components together. A pair of tandem male lock assemblies each includes a rigid pin which is reciprocable with respect to a surrounding male socket between an advanced position and a retracted position. Each male lock assembly includes a transversely reciprocable lock adapted to lock the pin in at least one of, and preferably both of, its two positions. All parts of each lock assembly are retained against separation. The locks of the tandem male lock assemblies are connected for joint movement and are adapted so that, when moved from release positions to pin-locking positions, one lock engages its respective pin before the other lock engages its pin. A cooperative pair of tandem female lock assemblies may have identical jointly movable locks.

Abstract: Tug/barge apparatus comprises a barge with a notch in the stern shaped to receive the bow of a tug, and the barge being coupled to the tug by a rigid coupling member on the barge which is adapted to be releasably retained in a bearing socket member formed in the bow of the tug. The coupling member is made buoyant enough to float on the water and the bearing member is located in the vicinity of the water line at the bow of the tug so that the two are at essentially the same level when the tug moves into the notch in the stern of the barge to effect a coupling operation. The coupling and bearing members are releasably retained in coupled relation and prevented from inadvertent uncoupling thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for coupling a tug boat to a barge having a notch in its stern. Coupling units mounted on the opposite sides of the tug have extensible and retractable rams which carry toothed heads into and out of toothed channels on the opposite sides of the stern notch. Each ram is extended and retracted by an actuator screw driven by low and high speed electric motors. A lock nut can be tightened on the screw to prevent it from rotating relative to the ram. The rams are controlled from a control panel located in the wheel house of the tug.

Abstract: A sea-shipping system includes one or more substantially spherical vessels which may be towed behind a water going vehicle. The vessels are submergible for storage purposes.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for securing two offshore mooring sections together. The apparatus is a connector adapted to quickly disengage each mooring section so that an offshore floating storage vessel, having one mooring section attached to it, may be separated from the riser of an single-anchor-leg-mooring system, having the other mooring section attached to it. The connector comprises a pin member engageable with a hook of a latch member. The latch member is rotated once the hook engages the pin member and a plunger then advances into an open region of the hook prohibiting the rotational movement of the latch member and thereby locking the two mooring sections together.

Abstract: The invention provides a side scanning sonar apparatus for detecting gas bubbles in water. This apparatus transmits low frequency sonar signals horizontally through the water and detects the resultant echoes. The echoes due to bubble columns can be discriminated from those due to simple reflection from solid objects. The invention also provides a special handling apparatus to permit launching and recovery of a towed sonar apparatus in which the upper part of the fairing is relatively fragile.

Abstract: A construction component has a plurality of male and female lock assemblies for engagement with female and male lock assemblies of a similar construction component for locking the two components together. The male lock assemblies are arranged in vertical tandem pairs, as are the female lock assemblies. Each of the male lock assemblies includes a rigid pin which is reciprocable with respect to the component between an advanced position and a retracted position. Each female lock assembly defines a socket opening and includes a transversely reciprocable lock for locking a pin in the socket opening. The male lock assembly includes a similar transversely reciprocable lock adapted to lock the pin in at least one of, and preferably both of, its two positions. The locks of each tandem pair of assemblies are connected for joint movement and are adapted so that, when lowered, the lower lock engages its respective pin before the upper lock engages its pin.

Abstract: A docking system for space modules includes a docking device having respective male and female coupling members carried by the two space modules. The coupling members are arranged to allow, after they have been brought into their coupled condition, relative rotation of the two modules about the axis of the docking device. The system further includes a plurality of connecting devices arranged to lock the two space modules in a precise relative position after the male and female members of the docking device have been brought into their coupled condition. Each of the said connecting devices comprises a coupling seat located in one of the two modules and a coupling shank carried by the other module and axially movable between a withdrawn inoperative position and an extended coupling position. This coupling shank has a head which is expandible within the said coupling seat to effect the connection between the two modules.

Abstract: A method for transporting goods by freighter over a route from an arctic port to an ice-free port, using ice-breaking freighters, the route including an ice-edge, the method characterized in that the ice-breaking freighters are used only for the route run between the arctic port and the ice-edge, the location of which varies according to the time of the year and wherein ice-strengthened freighters are used for the route run between the ice-edge and the ice-free port, the goods being transshipped, in the ice-edge area, at sea, from the ice-breaking freighters directly to the ice-strengthened freighters.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dock connector for connecting two adjacent floating docks. The dock connectors are designed to accommodate substantial lateral, vertical and end-to-end relative motion between the docks. The dock connector includes mounting plates which are securely fastened to each dock segment and a spring which spans between and connects the two mounting plates. Spring connection means are provided to securely attach the ends of the spring to the mounting plates. Deflection limiters attached to the mounting plates help to support the spring and to prevent it from becoming sprung by over-deflection.

Abstract: The present invention is a floating highway unit which has a structure which facilitates both removal from linkage in a series of units forming the highway, provides for simple alignment of the units during assembly, and also allows vertical movement caused by tides and waves. Protection is provided for the highway by use of a partly floating barrier, for damping wave motion, thus substantially reducing the amount of absolute and relative movement of the floating highway units. Each of the floating units of the present invention is comprised of a generally rectangular horizontal pontoon including provisions for floatation of the pontoon, the pontoon having a centrally located horizontal tongue extending outwardly from a short side of the pontoon whereby the top surface of the tongue is an extension of the top surface of the pontoon. A recess is located in the opposite side of the pontoon having a shape for enclosing the tongue which matches the shape of the tongue.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for mooring a water-borne boat to a dock. The apparatus includes a pair of spring wires extending from the dock and over the water to brackets supporting a horizontal roller to be engaged by a boat-mounted latch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for fastening two hulls to each other, one of the hulls usually being a motor hull and the other a cargo hull. The device includes a first pair of booms (1,2) extending essentially parallel to each other between the hulls (5,6) and at least one further boom, preferably one further pair of booms (3,4) extending, as seen from one side, crosswise in relation to the first pair of booms (1,2) so that all the booms (1,2; 3,4), seen from the side, constitute the diagonals of a quadrangle determined by the fastening points of the booms. Preferably, the booms are fastened to the hulls by means of transversal bars (8,9) mounted pivotably in horizontal planes on the hulls. At least two of the booms are preferably adjustable as to their length.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of a pusher tug and one or more barge units, whereby each barge unit may comprise one or more barges coupled alongside each other. Between the barge units and/or between the rear-unit and the pusher tug, pivotable pushing connections are installed giving the combination an articulated character. Each of the pivotable pushing connections is only mounted to one of the units or to the pusher tug and is coupled to the opposite unit with usual connections, such as steel wires. The pivotable pushing connections are robust and easy to handle by the normal deck crew. Application of the pivotable and steerable pushing connections increases the safety of pushing traffic on waterways and allows more units per combination.

Abstract: An improved barge and tug connection apparatus comprises a barge having a V-notched portion for receiving a tug into the V-notch. A tug for pushing the barge is disposed during operation within the notch allowing the tug to pitch and heave in the notch relative to the barge responsive to wave action. An articulated bow fender attached normally to the bow of the tug and disposed during operation between the bow of the tug and a portion of the notch of the barge longitudinally spaces the barge from the bow of the tug. The articulated bow fender maintains a substantially constant horizontal spacing of the barge with respect to the tug in a longitudinal direction while allowing both the tug along its entire length to pitch and heave with respect to the barge responsive to wave action.

Abstract: A jacking point structure for an automotive vehicle, includes a bracket fixed to the underside of a trunk compartment at a rear portion of the vehicle, and a hook fixed to the bracket. The bracket has a first wall extending horizontally and a second wall extending vertically. Also, the bracket has a channel portion at its center which functions as a jacking point preferably at the rear end of the first wall. The hook extends horizontally in the backward direction of the vehicle and does not project downwardly. It is preferable that the hook is formed in a U-shape and welded at its legs to the first wall in such a manner that the channel portion of the bracket is held between the legs of the hook.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for coupling first and second vessels wherein the apparatus minimizes roll of one vessel relative to the other while permitting freedom of movement for pitching and heaving of one vessel relative to the other. The apparatus comprises a linkage frame pivotally secured to one end of the first vessel along a substantially horizontal axis. The frame defines a recess generally facing the second vessel and having inner elongated opposing surfaces. Outer opposing surfaces are included, typically mounted on the second vessel, for aligning one end of the second vessel between the inner opposing surfaces of the linkage frame such that roll of the second vessel is minimized relative to the first vessel. Additionally, a connector for securing the second vessel to the linkage frame may be included, the connector being such that freedom of movement of the second vessel relative to the first vessel for pitching and heaving is permitted.

Abstract: A device for engaging and disengaging a line comprising a pair of pivotal arms turnable to an upright position and to a horizontal position and supported at a location close to a line engaging bitt opposed to and a distance away from a line guiding member, a pressing traverse arm extending between the free ends of the pivotal arms, a disengaging traverse arm extending between intermediate portions of the pivotal arms for disengaging the line from the bitt, apparatus for turning the pivotal arms to the upright position and to the horizontal position, and a pressing bed positioned to oppose the pressing traverse arm when the pivotal arms are turned to the horizontal position, the disengaging traverse arm being positionable above the bitt when the pivotal arms are in the upright position, the traverse arms and the pivotal arms defining a space for inserting the line therethrough. The line can be engaged with and disengaged from the bitt or bollard easily and properly.

Abstract: A tubular float for use in a water ski tow device. The float has a hollow shaft pulley in one end thereof and a slot in the other end thereof. A hitch rope is attached to the transom of the boat at locations displaced from the central axis of the boat. The hitch rope is roved through the pulley. A tow rope is inserted through the slot and passed along the tubular body of the float through the hollow shaft of the pulley back along the hollow body of the float through the slot from an opposite direction and then tied or spliced to the main length of the tow rope to form a tow structure not susceptible to failure in the event of structural damage to the float.

Abstract: The integrated tug-barge vessel consists of a separable barge and tug; the stern of the barge is formed of a pair of rearwardly extending projections defining a notch therebetween; the inside wall of each stern projection displays a buttress that engages into a longitudinal guideway, defined by a pair of rails on each sidewall of the tug, when the tug approaches the stern notch of the barge; the engagement of this buttress into a constricted portion of the guideway controls the vertical and torsional movements of the tug as it engages the stern of the barge; the disclosure herein is also concerned with describing a coupling device for snugly linking the tug to the barge; it includes a housing located at the stern of the barge and a linkage assembly mounted at the bow of the tug consisting of an hydraulic cylinder that actuates an arm and lever arrangement for the engagement and the disengagement of the tug to and from the barge.

Abstract: A flexible side connector assembly comprising an in line flexural system ing a plurality of rubber compression elements and a solid shear member. Both the adjacently aligned flexural member and the shear member have grooved solid heads at opposing ends of the assembly for insert of guillotines in opposing platforms which are to be coupled each to the other.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for decreasing yaw of a first vessel when the first vessel is pulled by a second vessel which may alternatively be positioned to lessen water resistance when the first vessel is pushed by the second vessel. The apparatus includes a fin movably secured to the first vessel such that the fin may be moved from a first position wherein the fin is in the water to decrease yaw to a second position wherein water resistance is lessened. The apparatus may further provide a linkage for coupling the first and second vessels wherein the apparatus permits freedom of movement of the first vessel relative to the second for pitching, heaving, and, if desired rolling motions when the vessels are coupled and further functions as a skeg for the first vessel when the first is pulled by second vessel.

Abstract: A shock absorbing device for a tugboat is disclosed. This device comprises a main cushion member having a close-fitting contact end opposed to a broadside of a vessel and an auxiliary cushion member having a close-fitting contact end projected over the contact end of the main cushion member toward the broadside, which are secured to a face plate disposed on a deck end of the tugboat.

Abstract: A substantially spherical human living module or space has a plurality of pontoons projecting from its lower hemisphere. It is preferably arranged to be self-propelled, as a vehicle, and the pontoons are preferably extensible and retractable. In a version in which wheeled landing gear is provided, a spherical human living space is provided with helicopter blades and four jet engines at the bottom of the craft, and two jet engines on the right and left sides, which swivel for direction control, for propelling the device.

Abstract: In a system for interconnecting buoyant float sections in an articulated manner, a receiver assembly for automatically engaging a connector of a type having a longitudinally inclined nose section and a pair of transverse locking grooves. The receiver assembly comprises a receiver housing with an interior channel, a U-shaped locking guillotine member and a locking assembly. The locking guillotine is slideably introduced into a transverse slot in the receiver housing; it rests on a pair of locking bars in the locking assembly with the legs of the locking guillotine extending part-way into the interior channel of the receiver assembly. As the connector is extended into the channel, the legs of the locking guillotine contact the inclined surface of the connector nose section, causing the locking guillotine to slide up within the slot until aligned with the connector locking grooves. The locking guillotine then falls, the guillotine legs sliding down within the locking grooves, to effect interengagement.

Abstract: An apparatus to aid in the docking and mooring of a boat which employs a fixed housing which has an opening found therein. A latching pawl assembly connects with the opening and is movable between a latching position and an unlatching position. A funnel shaped shield is located about the opening. A rod member which comprises a front end of an elongated pole is to be guided by the shield into connection with the opening and to be latched by the latching pawl assembly. Pushing and pulling movements can then be exerted against the pole to ease a small boat against a pier.

Abstract: A device for assembling and locking floating box caissons, which includes, on the caissons faces to be assembled, a pre-locking system disposed at the corners of the caisson and comprising a lock-type male system on one caisson, and a hook-type female system on the other caisson. Such pre-locking system is designed for producing automatically the pre-locking of the assembled caissons. A manual positive locking system is disposed in the central positions of the caissons for completely locking the two caissons together.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for controlling the relative course of travel between a barge and a push boat wherein the stern of the barge and the bow of the push boat are directly connected together by a connecting mechanism which permits relative freedom of movement of the boat and barge and the rudder angle of the push boat is controlled by the relative drift angle between the barge and boat occurring at the connecting mechanism.

Abstract: A device for adjusting adjacent differently immersed amphibious vehicle or floating bodies to a common coupling level, in which the oppositely located end or side walls of the vehicle or floating bodies to be interconnected are provided with supporting arms and abutment surfaces while the supporting arms arranged on the respective higher located vehicle or floating body are pivoted below abutment surfaces of the respective lower located vehicle or floating body which in response to a further movement of the pivotable supporting arms are automatically lifted into the common coupling level.

Abstract: The coupling mechanism comprises a pair of spaced connecting rods secured to the stern of a barge and apparatus mounted on the tug for receiving the connecting rods. The rod receiving apparatus comprises a pair of vertical circular disc members each having a diameter smaller than the spacing between the connecting rods. Contact members are secured to the peripheries of the circular disc members to form a V shaped groove therebetween for receiving the connecting rods. The circular disc members are urged toward each other by a spring, and stop members are provided to limit the rotational movement of the circular disc members. A cushion member is provided to absorb the shock created when the tug and barge are coupled together. Further, a holding device is provided for holding the coupling mechanism in an operative state or in an inoperative state.

Abstract: A quick-disconnect locking system for interconnecting sections of a rigid yoke structure comprises a female truncated cone adapted to be connected at its narrow end to one section of a two-piece yoke assembly, and a male truncated cone which is nestable within the female cone and is adapted to be connected at its larger end to the other section of the yoke. When locked, the male and female cones are closely nested and are locked together by a plurality of shear keys which project radially out of the larger end of the male cone into a continuous channel on the inner face of a locking ring attached to the larger end of the female cone. To unlock the assembly, the shear keys are withdrawn radially into the male cone, thus permitting the cone structures to be disengaged. For facilitating nesting of the cones, the smaller end of the male cone is provided with retractable means which engages the female cone and draws the two cones into a closely nested position.

Abstract: An improved system for coupling together two objects, particularly sea-going vessels, while permitting relative and at least limited movement in at least three axes -- roll, pitch and yaw -- with a one or more vertical elements mounted on the stern of one towing vessel each coupled to a horizontal element mounted on the bow of a second towed vessel to permit formation of a sea-going barge train pulled by a tug. The horizontal element includes a fluid-tight housing which is mounted for limited lateral movement and which defines an internal chamber in which a piston member and an attached rod move. The rod extends outboard to connect to the vertical element and specifically to one of a pair of concentric vertical members, the other of which is fixedly mounted on the towing vessel. The vertical members move slidably in a vertical direction with respect to each other.

Abstract: A permanent rigging pedestal for barges and the like in the form of a base, a pair of spaced apart generally parallel vertical posts fixed at one end to the base, a gusset plate connecting the posts, a vertically extending coaxial pin fixed above each post, each pin adapted to receive the eyebolts of one or more ratchet turnbuckles and a locking bar connecting the pins at their upper ends to prevent removal of the turnbuckle eyebolts. In the preferred embodiment each pin carries a pair of ratchet turnbuckles, one ratchet turnbuckle having a pair of spaced eyebolts forming a U-shaped clevis between which the eyebolt of the other ratchet turnbuckle fits to engage the pin.

Abstract: A mechanical coupling for connecting together two buoyant members, such as pontoons, to make a buoyant structure. The mechanical coupling comprises vertical grooves in the pontoons. A pair of spaced apart plates partially cover the edge of the grooves. A key member in the shape of an I-beam fits with its web between the plates of a pair of pontoons so that its flanges hold the two pontoons together. Wedge shaped members attached to the I-beam and to the plates further act to wedge and lock the pontoons together as a unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for locking and holding structures to one another in a releasable manner, including a separable element which may be fastened to each of the structures. One of the elements may be a generally spherical member, similar to the ball fixture utilized in cooperation with a trailer hitch. The other fixture includes a housing with a dual-acting or compound motion mechanism pivotally mounted therein. The mechanism may comprise a gate having a locking surface which cooperates with a locking seat in the housing to receive and lock the spherical element therebetween. A locking mechanism may be movably mounted on the gate to limit the movement of the latter as well as to fix it in the locking position.

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.