Patent ID: 9114859
Filing Date: 2015-08-25
Classification: B63B,B67D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for transferring a liquid to a ship, the apparatus comprising: a loading platform on the ship, the loading platform having a lateral side to transfer a liquid and a central portion, the loading platform defining a transverse axis residing in a horizontal plane and extending from the lateral side to the central portion, and a longitudinal axis residing in the horizontal plane and perpendicular to the transverse axis; at least one manifold residing on the ship and having a free end that opens out onto the platform, the at least one manifold having a transverse axis extending in the same direction as the transverse axis of the loading platform; at least one displaceable tubular connection comprised of a rigid hollow pipe having a first end configured for disengageable connection with the free end of the manifold and a second end, opposite and spaced from the first end, configured for disengageable connection to a free end of a flexible hose that is supported by a liquid distribution installation outside the ship, the rigid hollow pipe having an interior defining a liquid transfer channel capable of transferring liquid from the flexible hose to the manifold when the first end of the rigid hollow pipe is connected to the free end of the manifold and the second end of the rigid hollow pipe is connected to the flexible hose, at least one carriage for transporting the at least one tubular connection over the platform, the carriage being displaceable over the platform in a first direction along the direction of the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the transverse axis of the manifold to transport the tubular connection laterally and horizontally between a storage position, and an active fixed position at which the tubular connection is fixed to the manifold, wherein the first end of the rigid hollow pipe resides at the platform and the second end of the pipe resides outside a lateral side of the ship.