Abstract: An adapter alarm for boats for theft prevention. A multiple number of spaced brackets attached to the gunnels of the boat, and an automotive alarm plunger switch actuator is secured in each bracket and wired to a key operated alarm unit that is battery operated. Engaged with each plunger switch actuator is a split-edged clamp that is force-fitted to the shaft of the plunger and which is secured by a cord to a hook attached to the boat covering canvas. The circuit is wired to the plungers in the brackets and when the canvas is disturbed the clamps release the plungers which close the circuit to the alarm unit aboard the boat.

Abstract: A thin film photovoltaic module has transparent electrodes on front and back surfaces of a semiconductive layer. In one embodiment, both transparent electrodes pass light to the semiconductive layer for photovoltaic purposes. In another embodiment, the back electrode passes light which enters through the front electrode and is not absorbed by the semiconductive layer, so that the module is selectively transparent to the unabsorbed light. The spectral makeup of the transmitted light is controlled by controlling the optical characteristics of the layers of the module. The index of refraction of the back electrode is a primary source of transmission control, along with the refractive index of the front electrode and the thickness of the semiconductive layer itself. Light transmitted by the module can be used for nonphotovoltaic purposes, such as illuminating the interior of a vehicle or dwelling, or may be directed back into the semiconductive layer by a reflective surface behind the back electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hood mounting unit for a watercraft including a hull and a hood, the unit including at least one hinge having first and second hinge elements, the first hinge element being received in a groove formed in the second hinge element and having a pin capable of being received in a through-bore formed in the second hinge element, whereby the hood can easily and simply be mounted on or removed from the hull.

Abstract: On a ship, the longitudinal beams and the framework girders of different decks or of the inside bottom are arranged in identical vertical planes. In at least some of the rectangles defined by the longitudinal beams and the framework girders, there are access openings located vertically above one another. The openings in a vertical group are practically all the same size and aligned with one another vertically. Between corresponding junction points of the longitudinal beams and the framework girders above one another, vertical props running intercostally are located at the corners of each access opening. At least the third and subsequent access openings from the top are closed, preferably in a water-tight manner, by identically-sized removable access covers having at least two pieces each.

Abstract: There is described a device for underwater sealing ports or similar, whereby sliding panels are shifted along discharge openings, in which rubber sections are mounted about said discharge openings, in frames secured to a vessel side, and means are provided to exert a hydraulic pressure on said rubber sections.

Abstract: The open hatch of barges is covered by a plastic sheet with plastic piping formed about the edges to receive water for weighting the sheet down on the hatch coaming rim and sealing the sheet in place. The plastic pipes comprise hollow folded over plastic pipes terminating at tapered ends on each side of a rectangular shaped sheet to form filling pipe structure and simple drawstring closure valving to be disposed above water level. Drainage pipes in the barge coaming receive plastic drain sleeves forming passageways from the upper sheet surface to remove any collected rainwater. Plastic air socks located on opposite ends and extending through the sheet permit a blower fan to tent up the sheet in transit for draining rainwater over the edge of the coaming.

Abstract: An oceangoing barge cover is provided, which is made from lightweight structural fabric but enjoys the strength and stiffness of heavier steel covers and meets the requirements of the American Bureau of Shipping. The cover is comprised of a series of units, each of which in crosssection, is in the form of a series of concave quaternary curves, to the underside of which are fixed structural beams of fiberglass encasing rebar for support. Further support is provided by pipes of a structural fabric running perpendicular to the structural beams. A hatch can be optionally provided. Weathersealing and barge affixing means are also disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the structural elements of the cover are comprised of fiberglass or fiberglass laminate.

Abstract: A trough hatch cover system employing one or more cover units pivotally mounted on a hopper car by hinge straps. The one or more cover units are formed with a corrugated panel having an end extrusion mounted at each end. The end extrusion strengthens the panel structure and provides a channel through which water collected on the corrugated panel can be drained. Closure members are used to secure the cover units in place and when closed create sealed contact with the end extrusions, whether at the ends of the hatch cover system or at the juncture between adjacent panels.

Abstract: A hinged hatch assembly for the roof of a vehicle cab having an opening formed therein. The assembly includes a hatch which completely covers the opening when in a closed position. The hatch is connected to the roof of the vehicle cab by a pair of support arms. Each support arm contains a first and a second forked end whereby the first forked ends are pivotally attached by brackets to one side of the roof opening and the second forked ends are pivotally attached by brackets to the underside of the hatch. Sandwiched on each side of the brackets between the forked ends of the support arms are frictional elements which are spring loaded to impart a predetermined frictional force on the members. The frictional contact permits the hatch to be opened at various angles and at various positions relative to the plane of the roof and to remain in the desired position irrespective of any vibration or motion imparted into the vehicle.

Abstract: A lid for a vehicle roof opening including a linkage hinging it to the roof structure to accommodate tilting of the lid upwardly in either of two directions, or elevating it bodily, for use of the opening to ventilate the vehicle and including provision for separating the linkage from the roof supporting structure to permit swinging the lid to a fully open position relative to the roof opening to provide an escape hatch.

Abstract: A tent structure of light-weight reinforced plastic sheet covers the hatch of a barge for weather protection of contents. The cover is stored in compact form aboard the barge for quick erection by a winch system when use is required. The array is secured over the coaming by fastening the cover to the deck at a series of positions with claw hook and chain assemblies. By erecting stored ridge poles to extend above the coaming, the cover thereover provides a pup-tent form which sheds water as a roof, permits loading above the coaming level, and permits loading or unloading in foul weather from the side. Very light-weight reinforced plastic permits a low cost throw-away type assembly with little manpower necessary for erection and produces maximum cargo capacity pay-load and lower maintenance cost by replacement of heavier steel hatch covers.

Abstract: A removable sunroof panel adapted to be mounted in overlying relationship in an opening in the roof of a vehicle includes front and rear mounting assemblies which allow either or both the front and rear of the panel to be held in an open position above the vehicle's roof. Each of the mounting assemblies includes a lever handle pivotally connected to the sunroof panel and a latching assembly for receiving and locking the lever handle in a plurality of positions. A frame molding mounted in the sunroof opening includes a first section overlying the roof, and second and third sections below the roof defining a channel for receiving a resilient seal against which the roof panel seats; the second and third sections include a pair of opposed grooves for captivating a pair of ribs in the seal to retain the seal in the channel.

Abstract: A marine door unit consists of a rigid frame adapted to be attached to a deck and a door hingably connected to the frame. The frame is a rigid metallic unit formed of channel members, at least one of which carries a drain tube to prevent water accumulation therein. The frame means includes an inner upstanding support rail which carries a continuous sealing gasket. When the door is closed, the inner surface thereof abuts against the support rail, compressing the sealing gasket and rendering the door unit substantially leak-proof. In the event of any water leakage past the edges of the door, such leakage collects in the channel and discharges through the drain tube. The door unit is particularly useful on boats of the type having a fishing platform with a storage compartment beneath the platform. On such boats, the door unit is mounted in an opening in the platform and serves to keep the compartment dry while remaining substantially flush with the platform surface.

Abstract: A hatch cover for railroad hopper cars and a method of constructing same. The hatch cover includes a main panel and a stepped periphery, both of which are constructed of polyester resin impregnated with glass fiber reinforcement. Stiffening ribs on the panel include a honeycomb core enclosed by a rigid shell formed by glass fiber reinforced resin. The entire periphery of the panel is strengthened by thickening it, and the areas to which the hinges are attached is thickened additionally. The hatch cover is constructed by applying an exterior protective coating to a mold surface, spraying resin and chopped glass fibers into the mold, inserting the honeycomb core portions of the ribs into the mold in a crossing pattern, and spraying additional resin and glass fibers onto the honeycomb to form the shell which encloses the core of each rib.

Abstract: A supporting pad for a hatch cover of a ship is provided. The supporting pad comprises a first receptacle firmly connected to the ship. A first slide block is displaceably arranged in the first receptacle. A second receptacle is firmly connected to the hatch cover and a second slide block is displaceably arranged therein. A variable accommodation space is provided at least between the first receptacle and the first slide block. The supporting pad further has an inlet opening oriented toward the variable accommodation space and a pump and a conduit for feeding a volume-stable curable composite material into the variable accommodation space for displacing and adjusting the slide block in the receptacle. By this measure, the bearing surfaces associated with one another are adjusted relative to one another individually.

Abstract: A cast aluminum hatchway cover has projecting hinge structure for mating with a hinge housing part affixed on a hatchway coaming. The hinge is detented for holding the cover in closed, partly open and fully open posture. Self-latching lock structure has a foot operable unlocking lever outside the hatchway and an emergency unlocking lever inside the hatchway. The hinge detenting mechanism comprises cams with mating elements located respectively on the cover and hinge housing part.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a hatch cover consisting of at least three pivotally interconnected cover sections foldable vertically accordionwise in a storage space adjacent to one hatch end, with the first lower section pivoted to said hatch end and the last cover section being connected to endless chain means extending along the hatch coaming and selectively engageable with drive means for pulling the hatch cover from open to closing position, said apparatus comprising telescopically extendable and retractable pivot arm means pivoted to said hatch end swingable between an upward vertical position and a downward horizontal position on a level below stud means projecting sidewise from each cover section, whereby said pivot arm means is selectively extendable for engagement with stud means of the cover section nearest to said hatch end.

Abstract: Lifeboat in the general form of a hollow prolate spheroid having a hatchway opening in the upper portion and a weighted keel in the lower portion. The lifeboat comprises a main body having inner and outer skins spaced apart in a parallel relationship and a hollow ballast element extends entirely around the periphery of the inner chamber at the bottom and is divided by transverse walls into a plurality of fresh water compartments which also has a flat upper surface for use as a seat. The ballast element also includes a water compartment beneath the floor at the bottom portion of the inner chamber.

Abstract: An arrangement for dividing the free liquid surface of a liquid cargo contained in a general cargo or bulk cargo ship. The arrangement includes parallel upright metal sheets forming a plurality of parallel shieldings and a plurality of compartments located side by side. The sheets are adapted to be attached in the horizontal hatch of a ship with the metal sheets vertically upright in the hatch. While arranged in the hatch, the lower edges of the sheets are located below the free liquid surface of the liquid cargo and the upper edges of the metal sheets are located at or above the free liquid surface of the liquid cargo.

Abstract: A ventilating hatch assembly for a boat deck or the like includes a square opening in the deck having a coaming extending therearound. A square frame having a hatch cover pivotally attached along one edge thereof is disposed over the opening and is demountably attached to the coaming. The frame and hatch cover may be removed from the coaming and selectively replaced at one of four ventilating positions spaced at 90.degree. intervals.

Abstract: A marine capsule for sea rescue and transportation having a generally spherical configuration and on its sides hermetically closed hatches of tempered glass and a sun-reflecting signal-sending film. At its top are four larger diameter hatches, two of which preferably permit access of persons or equipment into the capsule. Also there may be waterproof lateral access windows or openings for persons without seafaring experience. The other two overhead hatches have a ventilation system, which admits air but not water. A stowable stabilizing element has members which can be telescoped by a gear and crank system so as not to interfere with handling of the capsule when not in use, but to extend when it is afloat. Radial fins ending in a peripheral fin protrude from the lower outside of the capsule, and an air chamber is built into its body. Other interior equipment includes a seat extending all around, storage compartments, water and toilet.

Abstract: A threaded access cover plate construction for boat decks, comprising a threaded fitting which is adapted to be secured to the deck, and a screw closure receivable in the fitting. Both the fitting and the closure have cooperable buttress-type threads which are dimensioned such that there is a relatively loose fit between the two parts. The rim of the fitting is in the form of a resilient upstanding skirt constituted of deformable material, the skirt being capable of yielding at selected points, due to its engagement by a centering shoulder of the closure. The yielding of the skirt permits improved seating of the closure, by minimizing the effect of interference between high points at the regions of contact of the two parts. Accordingly, a highly leak-resistant seal is established, even when the fitting or the closure has become slightly warped, or the fitting has been stressed to some extent by virtue of its being secured to the deck.

Abstract: Lifeboat in the general form of a hollow prolate spheroid having a hatchway opening in the upper portion and a weighted keel in the lower portion. The lifeboat comprises a main body having inner and outer skins spaced apart in a parallel relationship and the outer skin is formed with a recess for the storage of a drogue.

Abstract: A cover arrangement for a container, for example for a ship's hatchway, has a cover element which is hinged at one side. The hinging includes a lost motion connection, which allows automatic engagement and disengagement of mutually engageable member at that side for cleating. This is achieved by movement of the cover element in its closed position within the scope of the lost motion connection. The cover element may include other automatic cleating member on other sides; the cleating is preferably effected by final closing movement of the cover element under gravity.

Abstract: A threaded access cover plate construction for boat decks, comprising a threaded fitting which is adapted to be secured to the deck, and a screw closure receivable in the fitting. Both the fitting and the closure have cooperable buttress-type threads which are dimensioned such that there is a relatively loose fit between the two parts. The closure has a centering shoulder which is engaged by the rim of the fitting whereby a self-centering of the closure takes place when it is screwed into the fitting. The loose fit and the sliding engagement of the flat surfaces of the buttress-type threads enable an unimpeded lateral shifting of the closure to occur as determined by the engagement of the centering shoulder on the closure and the rim of the fitting.

Abstract: A set of hinged covers adapted to sealably close the rectangular hatch on the roof of a railway hopper car having a coaming running along the hatch perimeter. Each cover has a vaulted formation to shed water, the long edges of the cover being rolled to define canopies which protectively shield the coaming and a compressible gasket secured to the underside of the cover which presses against the coaming to effect a seal against contaminants. The cover structure is a sandwich laminate of high rigidity and strength constituted by an end grain balsa wood core panel to whose faces are bonded fiberglass skins. The skins are extended beyond the ends of the panel and are interlaminated to define channel-shaped end flanges which cooperate with hinged hold-down bars having an opposed channel formation within which a compressible gasket is nested to seal the ends of the cover.

Abstract: A system adapted for fighting a fire within areas of a ship that normally are inaccessible to conventional fire fighting equipment. The system includes a fluid carrying conduit supported on the underside of a hatch cover, connector structure for connecting a source of fluid to the conduit and a plurality of openings located along the conduit providing a field of coverage for the fluid which is discharged. The system is adapted both for automatic and manual operation, it may be used for fighting fires with water, fluids, gases and foams, and it may be used to sample ambient conditions within the cargo storing area. The system has particular applicability in use with containerships, but also may be used with vessels of all types which are equipped with hatch covers.

Abstract: An operating device for handling a cover for a hatch of the type composed of at least three successive cover panels hingedly connected to one another comprising first operating means for partially folding the first and second cover panels, and other operating means for folding the third cover panel, constituted by at least one articulated lever located outside the rolling track defined by the coaming rails or bars on which the rollers of the second and third cover panels move.

Abstract: A dockship with a large hold arranged for the transport of heavy cargo loads, and provided with hatch covers which have buoyancy and which are adapted to be swung alongside the sides of the ship particularly when loading and unloading heavy cargo loads, to increase the ship's beam and stability.

Abstract: A tent structure of light-weight reinforced plastic sheet covers the hatch of a barge for weather protection of contents. The cover is stored in compact form aboard the barge for quick erection by a winch system when use is required. The array is secured over the coaming by fastening the cover to the deck at a series of positions with claw hook and chain assemblies. By erecting stored ridge poles to extend above the coaming, the cover thereover provides a pup-tent form which sheds water as a roof, permits loading above the coaming level, and permits loading or unloading in foul weather from the side. Very light-weight reinforced plastic permits a low cost throw-away type assembly with little manpower necessary for erection and produces maximum cargo capacity pay-load and lower maintenance cost by replacement of heavier steel hatch covers.

Abstract: The weapons units of a warship may be formed in remotely prefabricated modular sub-assemblies which are capable of interchangeable mounting at different locations on the warship by an arrangement which includes a standardized adapter device structurally formed as part of the warship and defining the opening of a compartment into which the modular sub-assembly of the weapons unit is mounted. The weapons unit modular sub-assembly consists of a container within which the weapons unit is prefabricated. The weapons unit container and the adapter unit on the warship are both formed with mating structural parts having standardized sizes and configurations in order to enable interchangeability of the sub-assemblies. Although each sub-assembly may be formed with a different weapons unit, the container for the weapons unit of each sub-assembly is uniformly structured in a standardized manner complementing the adapter unit on the warship.

Abstract: A hatch cover arrangement comprising cover sections directly hinged together in series and adapted to be pivoted from an active horizontal position above a hatch coaming bounding a hatch opening to an inactive, upwardly swung, vertical position at least partially outside the opening. A cover lifting device is arranged in opposite relation on each exposed longitudinal side of the cover and comprises two lifting cylinders each hinged at one end to a respective one of two adjacent cover sections and at the opposite end to a common hinge arm construction itself separately hinged to these sections. A wheel of the device is mounted for the support of the hinge arm construction between the latter and the longitudinal side of the cover at the junction between the adjacent cover sections. Pivoting of the cover sections to and from the inactive and active positions is accompanied by the rotation of the wheels of the two devices along longitudinal guides towards and away from one end of the hatch coaming.

Abstract: Wave impact closes normally open contacts on a marine vessel hatch cover face to initiate or to increase fluid pressure within a collapsible hollow gasket interposed at the interface between a hatch cover and a deck hatchway to lock the hatch cover to the hatchway and to effect a watertight seal therebetween.

Abstract: A hatch assembly for a boat has a hatch cover and a hatch mounting frame to which the cover is hinged by releasable hinges, there being two espagnolette bolts serving the dual functions of hinging and latching the hatch cover to the mounting frame; retraction of either espagnolette bolt at will from an associated hinge receiver on the mounting frame enabling the hatch cover to be swung open left or right handedly, and retraction of both bolts from their receivers enabling the hatch cover to be lifted clear of the mounting frame.

Abstract: An arrangement permitting cargo hatches consisting of one or several sections and moveable in the transverse or longitudinal direction of the ship to be stowed alongside the frame surrounding the hatchway so as to be out of the way during loading and unloading operations. The arrangement includes a ramp on which the hatch sections are supported while being moved, the ramp being arranged for swinging movement so as to position the hatch sections vertically adjacent the external face of the frame and below the upper level of the frame.