Universal coupling system
US4080921A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 12, 1976 |
| Grant date | Mar 28, 1978 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 12, 1996 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/32181
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
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. The piston of the horizontal element divides the chamber into first and second sub-chambers which are coupled to pneumatic or hydraulic sources which supply fluid or gas to damp piston movement and/or aid in steering. A lateral damping member may be connected to each housing of the horizontal element, particularly when on…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.