Abstract: A lift-off cover assembly for barges includes adjacently positioned curved cover sections and end cover sections located at opposite ends of the adjacently positioned curved cover sections. The cover assembly includes a central walkway which extends between openings on the cover assembly and climbing stairs which are positioned so as to facilitate the travel of a cargo loading operated toward the openings. Additionally, each of openings can include cover members such as lids or doors which have handles or latches that are accessible from the central walkway.

Abstract: A lift-off cover assembly for barges includes adjacently positioned curved cover sections and end cover sections located at opposite ends of the adjacently positioned curved cover sections. The cover assembly includes a central walkway which extends between openings on the cover assembly and climbing stairs which are positioned so as to facilitate the travel of a cargo loading operated toward the openings. Additionally, each of openings can include cover members such as lids or doors which have handles or latches that are accessible from the central walkway. The cover assembly also includes weather seals that allow the placement of covers in different relative locations for use with barges having different dimensions.

Abstract: A deck box for mounting within the opening in the deck of a marine vessel. The deck box includes a cylindrical housing, a circular cover for closing the open upper end of the housing, and elements for securing the cover within the housing. The securing elements include a radially extending locking tongue carried by, and beneath, the cover, and an arcuate groove located within the housing, the groove extending for less than the full circumference of the housing interior. The groove has a tongue-entry end and a tongue-locking end, and a downwardly facing cam surface inclined downwardly from the entry end toward the locking end of the groove. When the cover is inserted into the housing with the locking tongue at the entry end of the groove, rotation of the tongue causes it to slide along the cam surface of the groove and draw the cover downwardly into the housing.

Abstract: A hatch assembly for a marine vessel includes an outer frame and a hatch cover hingedly attached to the outer frame on one side thereof. The assembly also includes an elongated hatch adjuster comprising a telescoping rod assembly which includes an outer tube, a tubular extension and a flexible coupling which connects the tubular extension and outer tube in axial alignment when in a first position. The rod is slidably received within the outer tube and tubular extension and maintains the assembly in axial alignment as the hatch cover is rotated from a closed position to an angle of at least about 135.degree.. As the hatch cover approaches 180.degree., the rod is withdrawn out of the outer tube which permits the flexible coupling to bend so that the hatch cover can be rotated a full 180.degree.. The hatch assembly also includes a clamp for fixing the rod and outer tube in a fixed position to thereby maintain the cover in a preselected position with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A hatch cover for covering a hatch of a water craft is disclosed. The hatch includes a hatch rim surrounding the periphery of the hatch and the hatch cover comprises a peripheral skirt having a latch interfitting with said hatch rim when the hatch cover is fitted upon the hatch in a closed position. A biasing connector assembly retains and secures the hatch cover on the water craft in the closed position, and when the hatch cover is removed from the closed position. The connector assembly has a first configuration for biasing and retaining the hatch cover in the closed position on the hatch. The connector assembly has a second configuration when the hatch cover is removed in the open position in which the hatch cover remains connected to the water craft. A gasket may be interfitted between the periphery of the hatch rim and the periphery of the hatch cover skirt to seal against the entry of water.

Abstract: A lift-off cover assembly for barges includes adjacently positioned curved cover sections and end cover sections located at opposite ends of the adjacently positioned curved cover sections. The cover assembly includes a central walkway which extends between openings on the cover assembly and climbing stairs which are positioned so as to facilitate the travel of a cargo loading operated toward the openings. Additionally, each of openings can include cover members such as lids or doors which have handles or latches that are accessible from the central walkway.

Abstract: A marine hatch assembly includes a rectangular ring shaped frame, a hatch cover hinged to the frame and a pivotal adjustment mechanism or adjuster for maintaining the hatch in a predetermined open position. The adjusting mechanism or adjuster includes a pair of telescoping elements one of which has a flexible joint therein. This flexible joint is prevented from flexing by the other of the telescoping elements until that element is withdrawn to a point beyond the flexible joint i.e., when the hatch cover is rotated beyond a predetermined angle. The adjusting mechanism also includes a clamp for maintaining the telescoping elements in a fixed relationship with respect to one another in order to maintain the hatch in a predetermined open position.

Abstract: A self-contained closure and closure frame assembly are easily mounted in the cabin of a boat, requiring minimal disturbance of the boat structures. The closure requires a minimum of space during movement from a closed to a fully open position, the closure first being moved outwardly generally parallel to the cabin, by pivoted levers, to an initial open position, and then slid to a fully open position. Slide tracks are provided in the closure itself, and they cooperate with slide mechanisms pivotally connected to the closure frame. A series of levers and interlock elements insures proper and secure pivotal movement of the slide mechanisms between closed and initial opening positions, and does not allow sliding movement of the closure until it is substantially in the initial open position. Sliding movement is positively guided to substantially prevent skewing in any plane as the closure is slid open with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A lockable storage cover is a single-unit which may be used to contain and safely lock down gear commonly used with smaller boats, and to form, in conjunction with a space on the boat, a storage locker. The lockable storage cover is designed for use with any small boat having an opening, especially a cockpit opening, in any situation where an operator has a need to secure and lock his/her sailing gear, either for reasons of convenience, theft deterrent, or shipping. Smaller gear such as a rudder and tiller and tiller extension are secured to the underside of cover, the cover is placed over a center cockpit of a boat and may be locked, enclosing the smaller gear within the cockpit and transforming the cockpit into a storage locker. Spars may be placed in the set of spar supports atop the lockable storage cover and secured by one or more moveable arms which may be locked in place and which doubles as a kickstand on which to prop the lockable storage cover for convenience.

Abstract: A hatch assembly includes a shaped lens or hatch cover and a rectangular shaped plastic frame member. The frame member includes an inwardly directed L-shaped cross section with an outwardly directed (away from the interior of the vessel) extension element at one end of one of the segments of the L-shaped cross section. The frame member surrounds the lens element or panel in a superposed and overlapping arrangement with a frame member abutting the vessel wall. The lens element is adjacent to and essentially surrounded by the outwardly directed extending element when the hatch is in the closed position. The hatch also includes a hinge for rotatably connecting the hatch cover and the frame member for opening and closing the hatch assembly and a gasket disposed between the outer peripheral area of the cover and the frame member. Releasable clamp member such as a dog and catch are provided for clamping the hatch in a closed position.

Abstract: A ship hatch cover of lightweight, water impervious sheet material covers the hatch of a ship to permit loading of bulk materials during inclement weather while protecting the cargo from potential damage or spoiling from rainwater or other contaminants. The hatch cover includes a frame or superstructure for spanning the open portion of a ship's hatch. A lightweight, flexible, water impervious sheet material is stretched over the frame to prevent any moisture or other contaminants from entering the ship's hold while the ship cover is in place. A plurality of separately accessible ports or openings permit even distribution of a particulate or fluent cargo, such as potash or agricultural products.

Abstract: A removable companionway, for use in conjunction with a manufacturer-supplied door as desired depending on weather and user preference, having a frame with adjustable corner brackets to accommodate companionways of different dimensions, a cover for protection from wind, rain, and objects, and a hinge means for moving said companionway about an axis.

Abstract: A portable barge cover protects cargo in the hold of a barge from contaminants such as water, snow, dust, bird droppings and the like. The portable barge cover provides a removable and storable covering system that is readily assembled by three or four barge workers. Several overlapping flexible sheets are placed over spaced apart arched members which span from one side of a hold to the opposite side of the hold. The flexible sheets are secured by several straps that cross over the flexible sheets trapping the sheet between the strap and the arched member.

Abstract: A dust and water proof apparatus for a bulk carrier includes a first frame having two opposed sidewalls formed with a respective roller-receiving groove. A second frame is disposed among the sidewalls and two opposed end walls of the first frame, and has two opposed shorter walls provided with rollers which extend into the groove of the corresponding sidewalls, and two opposed longer walls formed with a respective roller-receiving groove. A third frame is disposed among the shorter and longer walls of the second frame, and has two opposed roller-mounted walls provided with rollers which extend into the groove of the corresponding longer walls. A first cover unit includes a first canopy having a first end connected to one end wall and a second end connected to one longer wall, and a second canopy having a first end connected to the other end wall and a second end connected to the other longer wall.

Abstract: A ship hatch cover of lightweight, water impervious sheet material covers the hatch of a ship to permit loading of bulk materials during inclement weather while protecting the cargo from potential damage or spoiling from rainwater or other contaminants. The hatch cover includes a frame or superstructure for spanning the open portion of a ship's hatch. A lightweight, flexible, water impervious sheet material is stretched over the frame to prevent any moisture or other contaminants from entering the ship's hold while the ship cover is in place. A plurality of separately accessible ports or openings permit even distribution of a particulate or fluent cargo, such as potash or agricultural products.

Abstract: A port assembly for a marine vessel, including a lens element and three concentric stainless steel rings which are superimposed upon one another. A first of the rings includes a base portion forming an outer trim ring, a second portion which is generally parallel to the base portion and a sloping riser which defines an angle of between 105.degree. and 135.degree. with a base portion. The sloping riser also connects the base portion and the second portion. A second of the stainless steel stampings also includes a stepped cross-section with two risers and an intermediate portion connecting the two risers. The second of the risers also includes a sloped portion which is welded to the sloped portion of the sloped riser. A third stainless steel stamping, or clamping ring, is bolted to the intermediate portion of the second riser and, together with the base portion of the first ring, form a clamp for securing the port assembly to the wall of the vessel.

Abstract: A hatch assembly includes a first frame member having a generally J-shaped cross-section with a longitudinal extending or upright position and a generally parallel lip portion which is separated from the longitudinal portion by a horizontal section or riser. The assembly also includes a second frame member rotatably fixed to the first frame member. The second frame member includes a pair of elastomer seals fixed thereto so that a first of the seals engages the longitudinal portion of the J-shaped frame while the second seal engages the lip. The second frame member also includes a vent or small opening between the seals and a cavity for receiving any airborne water which passes through the vent. This vent is also constructed and arranged to drain air our of the cabin. In addition, the hatch assembly includes a hidden counterweight.

Abstract: A device for covering a ship's hatch by a loading chute which can be placed on the edge of the hatch during loading and unloading of a pallet container which is attached to a load suspension apparatus. The loading chute can be automatically opened and closed as a function of the position of the pallet container. The upper opening of the chute can be covered, when the rain-protected pallet container is in the loading shaft or below it, by an umbrella-like shield which is arranged on the load suspension apparatus above the pallet container. A rolling gate in one end position closes the loading opening and after covering of the upper opening of the loading chute by the shield, can be moved into another end position which flees the loading opening. The opening and closing movements of the rolling gate are controlled by contact-less transmitters which detect the position of the pallet container in the chute.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for adhering a flexible sheet (such as a fibrous or resinous sheet) to a semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet (such as a polycarbonate or acrylic sheet). In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of contacting an edge surface of a flexible fibrous sheet with a thermosetting resin and allowing the resin to cure to yield a unified surface, applying an adhesive along of an edge surface of the semi-rigid sheet to yield an adhesive surface and contacting the unified surface of the flexible fibrous sheet with the adhesive surface of the semi-rigid sheet to adhere the flexible fibrous sheet to the semi-rigid sheet. The products made by this method are suitable for a variety of applications, including use as boat and dwelling enclosures.

Abstract: Apparatus for covering a ship's hatch or similar opening that is exposed to weather or environmental conditions, whereby the opening is closable by means of a cover that is at least partially removable. The cover safeguards against water penetration when loading and unloading during bad weather and allows for dry loading and unloading. By sealingly placing a frame-like housing around the edge of the opening, a shaft open on one lateral boundary is formed within the frame housing. The shaft is closable from above by means of overlapping covers, which open automatically when pressed upon by a body suspended on a loading or unloading crane or close automatically when the body is removed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for adhering a flexible fibrous sheet (such as a canvas) to a semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet (such as a polycarbonate or acrylic sheet). The method comprises the steps of contacting an edge surface of the flexible fibrous sheet with a thermosetting resin and allowing the resin to cure to yield a unified surface, applying an adhesive along of an edge surface of the semi-rigid sheet to yield an adhesive surface and contacting the unified surface of the flexible fibrous sheet with the adhesive surface of the semi-rigid sheet to adhere the flexible fibrous sheet to the semi-rigid sheet. The products made by this method are suitable for a variety of applications, including use as boat and dwelling enclosures.

Abstract: A self-lubricating bearing suitable for marine applications, such as supporting hatch covers, has a bearing surface defined by a flexible woven pad. This woven pad is draped over a pillow plate and captured in position. To ensure that there will be a low friction interface between the pillow plate and the load supported on the bearing if the woven pad is severely damaged or lost, the pillow plate is designed to present a surface having a coefficient of friction lower than a metal-to-metal interface to the load.

Abstract: A barge cover is wound on a roller, mounted on a trolley which may be moved from one end to the other end of a barge hold, deploying or taking up the cover as it moves. The cover may then be sealed around the barge coaming in a weather proof manner. The roller is mounted on trolleys so that two men may deploy or take up the cover with only their muscle power, without requiring either special docking facilities or an independent power source.

Abstract: The self-lubricating bearing suitable for marine applications, such as supporting hatch covers, has a bearing surface defined by a flexible woven pad. This woven pad is draped over a pillow plate and captured in position by a sheet metal member which is folded over and thus engages the edge regions of the pad. The sheet metal member is affixed to the pillow plate and an underlying base plate.

Abstract: A dust control system to prevent the escape of dust from a cargo hold during bulk materials cargo handling operations wherein a plurality of rigid frames are suspended in parallel configuration across the hold. Unloading equipment is inserted through the frames and the frames are freely traversable between opposite sides of the hold while tarpaulins disposed on either side of the frames expand or accordion as the frames' positions are shifted in order maintain coverage from side to side. Fixed tarps cover the rest of the hold. Curtains extending downwardly from the frames and from those tarpaulins affixed to the frames engage the fixed tarps in an abutting relation to form a seal.

Abstract: A cargo hatch cover actuation mechanism. At least one fixed unilateral mechanical actuator is mounted on a cargo hatch cover panel. The actuator is driven by an electric motor, and controlled by a hand controller, attached to the end of a flexible electrical cable which can be moved about to any suitable position near the hatch.

Abstract: A cover plate assembly for covering an access opening formed in a boat deck includes a cover plate for covering the access opening and engaging the exposed side of the deck which frames the access opening. A resilient O-ring gasket carried on the underside of the cover plate is compressed by the cover plate against the exposed surface of the deck. The cover plate and resilient seal are held in place by a retainer bar which is inserted through the access opening and engages the hidden side of the deck on opposite sides of the access opening. The cover plate is coupled to the retainer bar by a screw fastener which has a torque shaft and a manually operable handle. The torque shaft has a threaded shank coupled in threaded engagement with the retainer bar, and the torque shaft projects through the cover plate with the handle engaging the exposed side of the cover plate.

Abstract: A hatch for a boat or other application is provided. The hatch includes a frame for mounting in an opening in a panel and a hatch cover pivotally mounted thereto. The cover includes a hinge pin that pivotally engages a hinge receptable mounted on the frame. A handle is slidably mounted in the hatch cover and includes a latch that releasably engages the frame when the hatch is in a closed and latched position.

Abstract: A water tight prehung door for a ship bulkhead, the door being formed from a plate with a peripheral band welded thereto, being stiffened by a plurality of channels extending from one side of the door to the other and having elongated dimples in the plate disposed between the channels; a double directional gasket which buckles when closed is contained in a partial enclosure and cooperates with a dogging mechanism utilizing a parallel bar linkage which moves rollers over wedge shaped lugs to dog the door closed and form a water tight seal irrespective of which side of the door is subjected to pressure.

Abstract: A companionway enclosure assembly is provided for enclosing the companionway of a boat. The companionway enclosure assembly comprises a flexible cover, a support rod, a weight member, and a plurality of fastening assemblies. The flexible cover is extendible over the companionway and is supported and maintained in a stretched out condition over a companionway by the support rod which traverses the width of the flexible cover and by the weight member. The fastening assemblies secure the companionway enclosure to the boat and further maintain the flexible cover in a stretched out condition.

Abstract: To close off the cockpit of a small boat from a forward compartment of the boat, a lift-up panel hinged to the floor of the boat is provided to fit in the space between port and starboard consoles which separate the cockpit from the forward compartment. The panel fits against the floor of the boat when not in use and can readily be raised and lowered. Engagement of the panel with a central section of a windshield is provided to hold the panel in the raised position.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, the device is provided for constructing a temporary screen for openings of a boat, comprising a central section of conventional screening material, an edging of a color-dyeable strong support material having an inner edge sewn about the perimeter of said central section of screening material and an outer edge, said edging being formed of a strong lightweight material, said outer edge of said edging having a sewn hem therealong into which a weighted chain is attached whereby said weighted chain resides in full pressure contact about an opening to be screened of said boat in an operating mode of said device, and said edging is positioned in abutting broad contact with framing means of said opening to better withstand any frictional abuse generated by frequency of contact therebetween. Method steps related to use and manufacture are also recited.

Abstract: A cover for a hatch includes a rigid main body member and a sealing member secured to the main body member. The sealing member is an expanded polyethylene foam; and it extends across the hatch and engages the portion of the structural member or deck adjacent the hatch. The sealing member, thus, seals the hatch and insulates the compartment below the hatch. It acts as a gasket seal for the cover, and provides sound dampening, corrosion protection, and other advantages.

Abstract: A river raft comprising a first solid pontoon having a hollow interior and a second solid pontoon also having a hollow interior. The first and second pontoons are connected together in a manner so as to define a central portion between the pontoons. The central portion has a depth of less than that of the first and second pontoons. Hatches are formed through the first end second pontoons so as to provide access to the hollow interiors. These hatches are detachably mounted to the upper surface of the pontoons. The first and second pontoons are of a symmetrical configuration. A spar tube connects these symmetrical configurations of pontoons such that the pontoons are maintained in fixed juxtaposition against one another. The first and second pontoons are made of a roto-molded plastic material. The central portion of the raft includes a plurality of openings extending therethrough. These openings are suitable for the receipt of ice chests, water bottles, and other items.

Abstract: A collapsible hatch screen is provided to cover a hatch frame with a hatch cover on a boat and consists of a square shaped screen frame being rigid at all four sides and bendable at all four corners thereof, a square shaped piece of screening sized to fit within the screen frame and a square shaped border member which covers the screen frame and is attached to all four edges of said piece of screening so that the screen frame can be folded and rolled up into a compact configuration for storage.

Abstract: An arrangement for unloading bulk material from the hold (12) of a freighter (11) which includes a hatch cover (25) in combination with a lifting screw (14) or similar unloading means which is lowered down into the hold (12) via the associated loading hatch (13). The hatch cover (25), which is adapted to rest on a coaming (26) on loading hatch (13) of the freighter (11) via an annular cover frame (34), is provided with a cover portion (31) pivotably mounted about a vertical axis (31a) having a vertical through-going guide (30) for the reception of the unloading means (14) for swinging of the same in a path forwards and backwards from one side portion of the hatch cover to the middle of the hatch. The cover portion (31) is allowed to turn in the cover frame (34) with corresponding movement of the unloading means (14).

Abstract: A small boat embodying an improved hatch cover construction. The hatch cover is made from a thin lightweight material but is reinforced by a sub-frame and this reinforcing sub-frame rotatably journals the steering column.

Abstract: A support apparatus for positioning a protective cover in a predetermined substantially sheltering attitude relative to an open cockpit of a watercraft, the support apparatus including a plurality of adjustable support members which are positioned in supporting relation relative to the cockpit, and which are individually operable to maintain the protective covering in a predetermined sheltering attitude relative to the open cockpit.

Abstract: A bow cover for covering an open portion of the bow in an open-bow boat having a raised interior portion and a flared portion therearound with an inwardly directed opening through each, a cover arrangement being fastenable to the interior portion and extending over the passageway to the bow of the boat.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting in a surfboard or the like for storing articles therein having a housing, a lid and a gasket member mounted upon the lid for providing a watertight seal between the housing and lid. The housing is cylindrical and has a closed end and an open end with at least one retaining rib and an annular shoulder formed interior of the housing adjacent the open end. A cylindrical lid is adapted for mounting upon the housing and has a handle member formed at one end and at least one locking rib formed on the periphery of the lid for engaging a respective retaining rib. A gasket member is mounted upon the periphery of the lid for engaging the housing ridge.

Abstract: A waterproof fabric awning is tied to the hinges at the back of a boat hatch and suspended forward over the hatch. Flexible ribs form it into the shape of an arch in function but allow it to be rolled up compactly for storage.

Abstract: A cover for a hatch which will engage with a rim to produce a water tight seal. The hatch cover includes a plate capable of seating in the rim and a shaft extending vertically through an aperture in the plate and slidably received therein. A handle is located on one side of the plate, one end of the handle pivotally connected to the shaft so that the handle will move from a closed position parallel to the plate to an open position substantially perpendicular to the plate. The handle imparts vertical movement to the shaft with respect to the plate. Arm assemblies extend radially outward from the shaft on the side of the plate opposite the handle, whereby movement of the handle imparts movement to the arm assemblies thereby extending the arm assemblies to engage the rim.

Abstract: A bow cover for covering an open portion of the bow in an open-bow boat having a raised interior portion and a flared portion therearound with an inwardly directed opening through each, a cover arrangement being fastenable to the interior portion and extending over the passageway to the bow of the boat.

Abstract: A closure device is provided, particularly suitable for container carrying ships, including a plurality of independent hatchway panels, each panel having lengthwise and widthwise the dimensions of a container, each group of four vertical slides providing guiding and securing of the containers at their corners extending above the deck of the ship and the panel being applied sealingly and independently against the periphery of an opening surrounding said group of slides and against the internal face of the slide. In order to have access to a container stacked along the slides inside the hold, it is sufficient to remove the containers stacked above the panel, then this panel itself using the same handling device as for the containers.

Abstract: A hatch for a boat or other vehicle having a cover (10) that is pivotally connected to a frame (12) by a pair of releasable hing assemblies (32) that allow separation of the cover from the frame when the cover is forcibly opened against an object on an adjacent surface (14). A pair of pivotal handles (60) are restrained against movement into a downward angular position that would interfere with the proper closure of the cover.

Abstract: A hatch cover system including an ellipitcal port opening (12) in a housing (10) and an elliptical cover member (18) supported centrally by a rotational bearing (53) for rotation about a rotational axis (54) normal to the cover member and by pivot pins (57,62) in a gimbal member (24) for pivotal movement about axes (56 and 58) perpendicular to the rotational axis. Arm members (26,28) support the gimbal member (24) pivotally by pivot members (30,31) so that upon rotation and manipulation the cover member (18) can be articulately moved from a closed position on the port opening to an out of the way position with a minimum of volume sweep by the cover member (18).

Abstract: A deck hatch assembly for marine craft is formed in the upper deck surface of the marine craft on the port and starboard sides. A submerged surface is integrally formed in the upper deck surface, being provided with a hatch opening surrounded by a raised peripheral ridge. The raised ridge, together with the submerged surface and the upper deck surface, forms a drain channel for directing water away from the stern of the marine craft. A pivotably mounted hatch cover is provided for normally sealing and closing off the hatch opening. The hatch cover may be raised upwardly from the bulkhead of the marine craft toward the stern for the purpose of providing ventilation to below deck compartments and for allowing access to the upper deck surface from below deck areas. A pair of gas spring assemblies is provided for positively and automatically retaining the hatch cover in the closed, or any one of a number of open positions.

Abstract: The structure consists of multiple panels attached to each other and to the deck of a boat. These panels are movable to more than one position and have different uses in each position. When lowered into a cabin area they provide a large opening in the deck and provide an additional useful function such as the formation of seats or of ladder steps. When raised they form a part of the deck and close the opening in the deck to provide weather protection and security for the cabin.

Abstract: An overflow hatch for confining low pressure volumes of paper pulp bleaching chemicals is provided with a double O-ring seal arrangement that sustains the hatch seal integrity as the O-ring material deteriorates from reactive effect of the bleaching chemical. The hatch seal integrity resulting from an annular clearance space extending radially between a cylindrical plug surface and an internal bore of a coaming, where the radial dimension of said annular clearance space is substantially equal to the thickness of a second O-ring tube situated in a seating groove in said plug.

Abstract: A port assembly for a marine vessel, including a lens element and three concentric stainless steel rings which are superimposed upon one another. A first of the rings includes a base portion forming an outer trim ring, a second portion which is generally parallel to the base portion and a sloping riser which defines an angle of between 105.degree. and 135.degree. with a base portion. The sloping riser also connects the base portion and the second portion. A second of the stainless steel stampings also includes a stepped cross-section with two risers and an intermediate potion connecting the two risers. The second of the risers also includes a sloped portion which is welded to the sloped portion of the sloped riser. A third stainless steel stamping, or clamping ring, is bolted to the intermediate portion of the second riser and, together with the base portion of the first ring, form a clamp for securing the port assembly to the wall of the vessel.