Clare J Kuhlman

US Patent:

6487985, Dec 3, 2002

Filed:

Aug 14, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/929403

Inventors:

Clare J. Kuhlman - Kansas City MO 64168

International Classification:

B63B 2156

US Classification:

114248, 114250

Abstract:

An connection apparatus is provided for connecting a ram of a pusher vessel with a receiver installed in a stem notch of a barge, the connection head for mounting on the ram having a generally pentagonal shape and the receiver having two opposed side walls with one side wall being flat and the other side wall having projecting teeth.

US Patent:

6612253, Sep 2, 2003

Filed:

Apr 29, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/134325

Inventors:

Clare J. Kuhlman - Riverside MO 64150

International Classification:

B63B 2156

US Classification:

114249, 114248

Abstract:

An improved apparatus for coupling a tug boat to a barge having a notch in its stern is provided. Coupling units mounted on the opposite sides of the tug have extendable and retractable rams which engage with channels on the opposite sides of the stern notch. Each ram includes two portions. The first portion can be non-rotatable and is extended and retracted by an actuator screw driven by a motor. The second portion can rotate relative to the first portion. Additionally, the second portion is capable of axial movement relative to the first portion. A load cell can be positioned between the first portion and the second portion to provide axial extension of the second portion to provide sufficient engagement force to couple the tug and barge.

US Patent:

7270070, Sep 18, 2007

Filed:

Oct 24, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/552305

Inventors:

Clare J. Kuhlman - Platte Woods MO, US

Assignee:

Intercontinental Engineering Manufacturing Corporation - Riverside MO

International Classification:

B63B 21/56

US Classification:

114248, 114249

Abstract:

A system () for coupling first and second vessels () to minimize movement therebetween while allowing for lightering. The system () comprises rams () and coupling heads () associated with the first vessel (), and receivers () associated with the second vessel () for receiving the coupling heads (). The system () allows for at least three configurations: a first configuration in which the rams () are extended and the coupling heads () are rotated such that first faces () interlock with the receivers (); a second configuration in which the rams () are extended and the coupling heads () are rotated such that second faces () abut the receivers (); and a third configuration in which the rams () are retracted such that the coupling heads () do not interact with the receivers (). Lightering is accomplished by a series of short-duration switches between the second and third configurations.

US Patent:

20060169190, Aug 3, 2006

Filed:

Feb 2, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/345792

Inventors:

Clare Kuhlman - Platte Woods MO, US

International Classification:

B63B 21/56

US Classification:

114249000

Abstract:

A lightering connection system is provided for coupling a tug boat to a barge, where the connection permits relative vertical movement between the tug and barge while maintaining horizontal movement control between the vessels. The tug boat has port and starboard retractable rams having coupler heads which engage the barge along inboard port and starboard vertical receiver channels. The coupler heads and vertical receiver channels are provided with waveform surfaces to permit interlocking engagement between the tug boat and barge. The waveform surfaces also permit smooth relative movement of the surfaces as the ram disengages in performing the lightering operation. The coupler heads and vertical channel receivers have a mating angular construction to maintain horizontal movement control between the tug and barge during the lightering operation.

US Patent:

20080105185, May 8, 2008

Filed:

Jan 14, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/013744

Inventors:

Clare KUHLMAN - Platte Woods MO, US

International Classification:

B63B 21/58

US Classification:

114249000

Abstract:

A lightering connection system is provided for coupling a tug boat to a barge, where the connection permits relative vertical movement between the tug and barge while maintaining horizontal movement control between the vessels. The tug boat has port and starboard retractable rams having coupler heads which engage the barge along inboard port and starboard vertical receiver channels. The coupler heads and vertical receiver channels are provided with waveform surfaces to permit interlocking engagement between the tug boat and barge. The waveform surfaces also permit smooth relative movement of the surfaces as the ram disengages in performing the lightering operation. The coupler heads and vertical channel receivers have a mating angular construction to maintain horizontal movement control between the tug and barge during the lightering operation.

US Patent:

61995010, Mar 13, 2001

Filed:

Apr 30, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/302307

Inventors:

Clare J. Kuhlman - Riverside MO

Assignee:

Intercontinental Eng. Mfg. Corp. - Riverside MO

International Classification:

B63B 2156

US Classification:

114248

Abstract:

A barge mounted, vertically adjustable receiver is provided which allows connection of a tug boat or pusher boat to a barge and which permits compensation to be made for changes in the draft of the barge by changing the vertical position of the receiver on the barge without disconnection the boat and barge.

US Patent:

46885072, Aug 25, 1987

Filed:

Jul 5, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/752059

Inventors:

Clare J. Kuhlman - Kansas City MO
Robert P. Hill - Boston MA

Assignee:

Intercontinental Engineering-Manufacturing Corporation - Kansas City MO

International Classification:

B63B 2158

US Classification:

114249

Abstract:

Apparatus for coupling a tug boat to a barge having a notch in its stern. Coupling units mounted on the opposite sides of the tug have extensible and retractable rams which carry toothed heads into and out of toothed channels on the opposite sides of the stern notch. Each ram is extended and retracted by an actuator screw driven by low and high speed electric motors. A lock nut can be tightened on the screw to prevent it from rotating relative to the ram. The rams are controlled from a control panel located in the wheel house of the tug.