US3861539A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Barge cover handling system
Assignee: Becker & Associates Inc
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Filing: 1973-06-01
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Granted: 1975-01-21
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Expires: 1993-06-01
Abstract
Abstract A system for handling the covers of floating barges during loading and unloading operations is disclosed. The system includes an overhead crane which travels the length of a crane support structure having side walls which straddle the path along which the barges move during loading and unloading. Additional features of the present invention include a barge puller assembly and a continuous barge fendering assembly.
Inventors
- 👤 Jr William F Becker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 07:19
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63B; B63B27/00; B63B27/22
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
158 words
Apparatus for removing anD replacing covers on a floating barge during loading or unloading operations, comprising: a. an elongated support structure having two elevated, spaced apart horizontally disposed guide rails, said support structure having two side portions which extend vertically in parallel planes to define an open-ended corridor which straddles the path along which the barge travels and which is adapted for entry by the barge at one end of the structure and exit of the barge at the opposite end; b. a traveling motorized crane mounted for movement along the length of said support structure on said guide rails; c. a plurality of lift cables secured to the crane, said cables having means for connecting the cables to a cover on the barge; d. means for raising and lowering the lift cables; and e. a horizontally-disposed storage platform located on the support structure above the level of the barge so that the barge can travel underneath it.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
158 words
Apparatus for removing anD replacing covers on a floating barge during loading or unloading operations, comprising: a. an elongated support structure having two elevated, spaced apart horizontally disposed guide rails, said support structure having two side portions which extend vertically in parallel planes to define an open-ended corridor which straddles the path along which the barge travels and which is adapted for entry by the barge at one end of the structure and exit of the barge at the opposite end; b. a traveling motorized crane mounted for movement along the length of said support structure on said guide rails; c. a plurality of lift cables secured to the crane, said cables having means for connecting the cables to a cover on the barge; d. means for raising and lowering the lift cables; and e. a horizontally-disposed storage platform located on the support structure above the level of the barge so that the barge can travel underneath it.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
139 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further including a barge pulling assembly located alongside the support structure in parallel relationship to the corridor along which the barge travels, said pulling assembly including a pulling machine and associated sheaves connected by an endless cable having a plurality of barge attachment devices secured thereto along the length of the cable, one of said cells being positioned at each end of the structure, reversible drive means being attached to one of said rotatable cells for causing the cable to travel between the cells, one side of said loop forming an upper line of said loop and the other side of said loop forming a lower line of said loop, and upper and lower guide members extending the length of the support structure for housing the upper and lower lines of the loop, respectively.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein a network of fenders is attached to each side portion of the support structure, the network of fenders on each side comprising a plurality of horizontally disposed members connected to spaced vertical support members, each network extending substantially the entire length of the support structure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the upper and lower guide members for housing the cable loop are attached to the upper portion of the network of fenders along the side portion of the support structure which is adjacent the barge pulling assembly.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a network of fenders is attached to each side portion of the support structure, the network of fenders on each side comprising a plurality of horizontally disposed members connected to spaced vertical support members, each network extending substantially the entire length of the support structure.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-01-20 | 1978-07-22 | 1979-01-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-01-20 | 1982-07-22 | 1983-01-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-01-20 | 1986-07-22 | 1987-01-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |