Marine cargo transfer device

An apparatus for transferring cargo between first and second bodies which are movable relative to each other where a hoist for raising and lowering cargo through a hoist line is mounted on one of the bodies, comprising:

• linkage means for connecting the two bodies;
• pivot means for pivotally connecting the linkage means to the bodies and having motion compensation means for accommodating relative movement between the bodies;
• trolley means movable along at least a portion of the linkage means for supporting the hoist line, and moving the hoist line along the linkage means between the two bodies so that cargo connected to the hoist line can be moved along the linkage means from one of the bodies to the other one;
• the linkage means including a first arm pivotally connected to the first body for pivotal movement through a horizontal plane, a second arm pivotally connected to the first arm for pivotal movement through a vertical plane, and a third arm pivotally connected to the second arm for pivotal movement through a vertical plane;
• the pivot means including an articulated connection supporting at least one leg connected at one end to the articulated connection and at the other end to the second body;
• a plurality of hydraulic cylinders mounted on the linkage in part compensating motion between the leg and second body;
• leveling means for biasing the leg toward a vertical position, the biasing means including fluid drive means for transferring fluid between the hydraulic cylinders to adjust the angle between the leg and the vessel deck;
• the trolley means including a trolley movably mounted on the third arm.