Patent ID: 6131224
Filing Date: 2000-10-17
Classification: B63B,E01D

Abstract:
A coupling device for transfer between a substantially static structure and a dynamic structure, the coupling device comprising:a connecting bridge;a first trunnion, pivotally attached to a static structure such that said first trunnion is allowed to rotate around a vertical axis relative to said static structure, and pivotally attached to a first end of the connecting bridge such that said connecting bridge can rotate around a horizontal axis relative to said first trunnion, while said first trunnion provides support to the connecting bridge in all other directions;a second trunnion, pivotally connected to a second end of the connecting bridge and able to remain in substantially parallel contact with a surface of a dynamic structure, said second trunnion comprising a roll trunnion, said roll trunnion allowing the second trunnion to accept rotation of more than a total of 16.degree. around a roll axis, and a separate pitch trunnion, such that said second trunnion rotates with the roll and pitch motion of said dynamic structure's surface without translating these motions to said connecting bridge.