Servo coupling catch for tug and lighter - has hydraulically operated jaws on tug gripping elastic sleeved coupling bar on lighter etc.

摘要

The coupling between a pusher tug (3) and a cargo-boat or lighter (1) comprises a fixed, horizontal bar (34) at the stern of the lighter, which is gripped by the hydraulically operated jaws (12, 16) at the bows of the tug. The jaws have a fixed bottom section (12) and a pivoted upper section (16). The coupling bar (34) is surrounded by a series of inflatable tyres (32) for a damped grip, with the tyre pressure adjustable. When closed, the jaws are secured by a tensioning stay (26) linked between the pivoted jaw and a fixed catch (27) in the mounting base. The system provides a secure cathc with a minimum strain on the ram (20), and which provides a simple coupling process even in heavy seas.