Abstract: A conveying apparatus is provided. The conveying apparatus comprises a conveying pipeline and a supplementary gas pipeline extending into the conveying pipeline. The conveying pipeline defines an inlet and an outlet, and comprises an expanding portion defining the inlet, a shrinking portion defining the outlet, and an intermediate portion disposed between and in fluid communication with the expanding portion and the shrinking portion. A conveying apparatus and a conveying method are also presented.

Abstract: A bailer for a watercraft which is open on two sides, i.e., the rear and one adjoining side, enabling more efficient drainage of water from a watercraft. An adjustable bailer is provided which may include a handle with indexed positions which allows the user to easily adjust how far the bailer is open to suit conditions. The handle can be operated by either the hand or foot. The indexing function enables a user to judge how far the bailer is open or closed.

Abstract: A universal marine bilge pump mounting system releasably securable either between spaced parallel stringers or between an inner surface of the hull and a higher support surface spaced above the bilge. A base plate is adapted in size to supportively receive the bilge pump and float switch. An upright support member is connected to, and upwardly extends from, the base plate. A bilge surface engaging member of adjustable overall length includes a contact member connected at a distal end thereof. A proximal end of the bilge surface engaging member is releasably connectable in a first use mode to the upright support member. Two bilge surface engaging members are releasably connectable in a second use mode to, and extending in either direction from, the upper end of the upright support members whereby the base plate is supportable above or against the hull inner surface.

Abstract: An automatically operating dump valve device for a boat, particularly for a life raft, including a hole made in the bottom of the boat and a flexible chute located under the bottom of the boat being connected in a sealed way to the edge of said hole, the chute is equipped with flotation means placed away from its connection with the hole in the bottom of the boat, by means of which arrangement, when there is no water in the boat, the flotation means bring the chute back up under the bottom of the boat sealing it and the water cannot get into the boat through the chute, whereas, when water is present in the boat and is drawn back towards the aforementioned hole, its weight forces the chute end to drop from the bottom of the boat despite the presence of the flotation means and the water flows out through the chute.

Abstract: A system for employing the propulsion system of a boat for bilge pumping. A tube surrounds the submerged propeller of the boat and extends forwardly to an inlet beneath the boat. An opening through the hull of the boat is provided in communication with the tube. A door controls communication between the hull and tube and alternatively between the inlet and the tube. A float within the hull controls the door depending on the level of water within the hull. A flow sensor locks the door in the closed position when flow is not experienced through the tube to the propeller.

Abstract: An automatic boat drain for siphoning water from the interior of a boat, the drain including a flow tube secured to the exterior of the boat transom with the inlet end of the flow tube being below the water surface and oriented so that water is forced to flow through the flow tube as the boat moves forward above a minimum speed, the outlet end of the flow tube being above the water surface, an entraining tube having the inlet end adjacent the interior bottom of the boat, and a venturi forming connection positioned above the water surface connecting the entraining tube outlet end to the flow tube adjacent to and spaced from the flow tube outlet end whereby as the boat moves through water the flow of water forced through the flow tube will produce a venturi effect to drain water from the boat interior while the venturi positioned above the water surface prevents the possibility of water being siphoning into the boat.

Abstract: A ballast pumping system for pumping water ballast to or from a plurality of ship ballast tanks, having a submerged pump located in one of the ballast tanks and a sea chest provided in the ballast tank together with the pump. Piping interconnects the pump and the sea chest, and also connects the pump to each of the bottoms of the ballast tanks.