Appeal No. 2002-2154 Page 5
Application No. 09/217,496
surface 19, opposite side walls 20 and end walls 21. Each side wall 20 is constructed
with a plurality of spaced recesses or sockets 22 therealong for assembly and structural
purposes.
As shown most clearly in Figure 4, the alignment pin 14 is a unitary structure
formed in a generally elliptoid configuration with outwardly tapering end portions of
complementary shape and size to the sockets 22 for relatively loose fitting mating
engagement therewith. The alignment pin 14 is preferably formed of cast steel or
other suitably rigid materials in a tubular, watertight construction. A pair of tapered
portions 24 generally frustoconical in shape extend outwardly the center portion 25 of
the pin 14 to form this elliptoid shape. The alignment pin 14 further includes a
longitudinal passageway 26 which functions as a tubular chord in the pin 14 providing
longitudinal rigidity and providing a sleeve for the through positioning of tension
members, such as cables used in the barge assembly. The alignment pin 14 is
releasable secured in socket 22 by the fastening of a latch 58. Morgan teaches
(column 10, lines 46-50) that pins 14 carry minimal to zero loads in the assembled,
post-tensioned structure, alleviating possible damage to this alignment and assembly
element under heavy barge loading.
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Last modified: November 3, 2007