| 摘要 |
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 only two couplers are mounted on opposite sides of the vessels. A rigid center coupler flanked by the two piston couplers can be used on larger barges in place of the two side couplers, and also effectively minimizes lateral movement. |
