Couplers of ARTICOUPLE F-Series are hydraulically operated articulate couplers of a unique design utilizing friction force for connection. Though developed primarily for operating dump-barges, couplers of this series can assure such a good seaworthiness as to stand up to waves of 3 - 3.5 metres and, accordingly, can maintain high serviceability of ordinary cargo barges operated under pushing in comparatively calm inland seas and coastal areas.    Connection by means of ARTICOUPLE F-couplers can take place at any arbitrary draught relationship in a very short time by remote control from the bridge of the pusher, and the high serviceability combined with a high degree of time- and manpower-saving can remarkably improve the operational efficiency of sea-going pusher-barges.    Couplers of ARTICOUPLE F-Series are classified into two sub-series --- deck-mountable FD-Series for small- and medium-sized pushers of flush-deck type and forecastle-side mountable FC-Series for medium- and large-sized pushers of long-forecastle type.    The Connecting Pin supported by the Main Bearing fixed to the hull is extended out by the function of a hydraulic cylinder in its inside so that the Pressing Shoe mounted at its end may be inserted into the Connecting Slot in the wall of the barge's stern notch. The hard rubber lining on the forward and rearward surfaces of the Pressing Shoes are pressed onto the corresponding walls of the Connecting Slot to generate strong friction force, which will prevent vertical slip of the Pressing Shoes to maintain connection.

--- Articouple F can assure good seaworthiness. It can stand up to wave height of 3 - 3.5 metres in oblique waves and even 6 metres in head waves. --- Articouple F can connect the pusher to the barge, without previous adjustment of draught, at any point within the whole range of change of draught relationship. --- For connection and disconnection, Articouple F is remote-controlled by the captain's finger-tip from the bridge and, accordingly, no muscle work is needed. These functions need about 30-40 seconds only. --- Connection and disconnection works are made from the pusher only and, therefore, the crew members have no need to go over to the barge before connection. --- Relative pitching between the pusher and the barge is left free, while other relative motions are perfectly stopped. The crew on board are free from shocks, vibrations and noises during connected navigation. --- Connection by Articouple F can take place without difficulty even when a slight relative heel is found between the pusher and even under a certain influence of waves. --- When pushing a dump-barge, the connecting pins are slightly retracted to keep two watercraft in "loose connection" before dumping down the load. When the load is dumped down, the barge will rapidly float up. Then, re-connection can immediately be made by simply extending the connecting pins. --- During loading and unloading of the barge, the above-mentioned loosening and re-connection are repeated at proper intervals under automatic control to adapt the pusher's draught to the gradual change of the barge's draught. --- The outer surfaces of pressing shoes are lined with hard rubber which will generate strong friction. If the pusher is frequently operated in rough sea, re-lining may be needed after 2-3 years' use, while there are cases where same linings are used in calm waters for more than 8 years without replacement. --- "When converting a harbour tug to a pusher by addition of a deck-mountable Articouple FD-coupler, the coupler main bodies installed at deck side just abaft the windlass will not cause any change of the bow contour nor project beyond it and the function of the boat as a tug can be maintained even after conversion.