Vertically adjustable and articulated coupling for push tug and barge combinations
Abstract
Abstract A PUSH TUG-BARGE COUPLING MEANS FOR TRANSMITTING THRUST FROM THE TUG TO THE BARGE WHILE PERMITTING INDEPENDENT PITCHING OF THE TWO UNITS IN A VERTICAL PLANE ABOUT THE COUPLING AND RESTRAINING ALL OTHER INDEPENDENT MOVEMENT OF THE TWO UNITS. SAID COUPLING COMPRISES AN AXLE MEMBER MOUNTED ON THE BARGE EXTENDING ACROSS A NOTCH IN THE REAR SECTION THEREOF AND MATING WITH LATERALLY SPACED THRUST BEARING MEMBERS MOUNTIS ON THE FRONT SECTION OF A TUG WHICH FITS INTO THE NOTCH. THE AXLE IS SECURED TO VERTICALLY MOVABLE MEMBERS IN VERTICAL CHANNELS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE NOTCH IN THE REAR SECTION OF THE BARGE SO THAT THE VERTICAL POSITION OF THE AXLE MAY BE ADJUSTED DEPENDING ON THE DRAFT OF BOTH THE TUG AND THE BARGE IN THE WATER. RETRACTABLE ROLLERS ARE MOUNTED ON THE SIDE OF THE TUG AFT OF THE TUG''S THRUST BEARING MEMBERS THEREBY PREVENTING UNEVEN LOADING ON THE COUPLING MEMBERS BY KEEPING THE CENTERLINES OF THE TUG AND BARGE PARALLEL.
Inventors
- 👤 Elliott I Clemence Jr
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-09-19 | 1975-03-21 | 1975-09-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-19 | 1979-03-21 | 1979-09-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-19 | 1983-03-21 | 1983-09-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |