Abstract: A slide system includes a component assembly, a track system, a floor panel, and a below-deck cavity. The track system is coupled at least indirectly to the component assembly for guiding movement of the component assembly along a path. The floor panel includes an upper surface. The below-deck cavity is disposed below the floor panel. The component assembly is located substantially above the floor panel. The track system is located within the below deck cavity and below the upper surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cover device for at least sectional closing of an underwater opening in a hull of a watercraft, in particular an opening of a transverse channel of a thruster. According to the invention the cover device includes at least one variable-volume hollow chamber lip including at least one buoyancy body, and the at least one hollow chamber lip is shiftable into an expansion state or into a shrinkage state by supplying or removing a fluid, in particular air. As a result of the variable-volume or inflatable cover device a more reliable and simultaneously lower-maintenance operation of the cover device is given. In addition, the invention has a thruster, in particular a bow or stern-thruster, as subject matter.

Abstract: Apparatus for a door for a boat's companionway hatch. The door includes a frame, a door, a drive mechanism, and a receiver. The drive mechanism moves the door between an open and closed position to selectively allow and block access to a bulkhead opening in the companionway. In the open position, the edge of the door is substantially parallel with the companionway sidewall. In the closed position the edge of the door engages the receiver and the edge is substantially parallel with the sidewall to which the receiver is attached. The drive mechanism includes a pair of struts that are driven by an actuator to move with a scissors-like motion. One end of each strut is fixed in position. The opposite end of each strut has a roller that moves within a slot, with one slot in the door and the other slot in the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof module for a land and/or water vehicle (10) having an accommodation facility comprising a kinematic unit (3) with two lateral guide rails (30), at least one roof segment (2) which is mounted in the guide rails (30) such that it can be moved between a closed position and an open position, and a circumferential load-bearing frame (4) with four profiled strips (40) which are connected to form a rectangle, which load-bearing frame (4) can be fastened to a vehicle roof (100) which has an opening (101) so as to surround the opening (101) or can be fastened in the opening (101) with the formation of a water barrier, the load-bearing frame (4) at least partially supporting and/or partially forming the kinematic unit (3).

Abstract: A hatch cover is provided for a hatch of a nacelle for a wind driven power plant. The hatch cover includes several segments configured to remain within a hatch opening when a hatch is in an open position.

Abstract: This invention relates to the lifting of a concrete panel and especially to a method and apparatus for lifting a concrete panel and to lifting a composite truss having a pair of spaced apart prestressed concrete panels.

Abstract: A watertight door system that provides for subdivision of cargo holds, and having a door frame assembly with a sliding door. Conveyor support stringers are movably connected to the sliding door and conveyor idlers are movably connected to and the conveyor support stringers. A linear actuator associated with the door frame assembly selectively actuates the door between an open and closed position, whereby actuation of the door by the hydraulic cylinder causes the conveyor support stringers to move with the door, and the conveyor idlers to be lowered without removal thereof. Belt side plugs are positioned on either side of the door frame assembly, and can move both inwardly against a conveyor belt edge and outwardly from the conveyor belt edge.

Abstract: A device for setting the position of a closing element for a porthole in an open position toward the outside around an opening in a wall of a room includes a protruding part with a circular shape fastened to the wall around the opening by means of at least one fastener, and a joining part that has a first end connecting a hinged end of the closing element to the protruding part. The protruding part has at least one first groove. The joining part has a second end movable in the at least one first groove, and the movement of the second end in the at least one first groove entails movement of the closing element in the open position around the opening. In a closed position, the closing element integrally covers the protruding part in order to seal the porthole in the closed position.

Abstract: A cover for use with an elongated opening associated with a transportable barge. The cover includes a number of inter-engageable cover sections, each exhibiting a plasticized construction and extending in both widthwise and lengthwise fashion relative to an upper lip edge defining an open perimeter of the barge. Each cover section exhibits pairs of opposing lifting eyes and associated locking pins, these being defined along outer extending side edge locations of each cover section and is adapted to securing the cover section upon the barge perimeter defining edge. Each cover further includes a four point locking and unlocking feature activated by a lift handle for selectively opening a cargo carrying interior associated with the barge. A plurality of structurally strengthening trusses are also incorporated into each individually assemble-able barge section in combination with an in molded ladder associated with each end wall section.

Abstract: A system and method for actuating a hatch door. One embodiment includes a vertical launcher system that has a hatch door disposed in a plane at the top of a hold. The hatch door includes a leading edge and a trailing edge at opposite ends of the hatch door. When an actuator arm for maneuvering the hatch door is extended, the leading edge is lifted away from the plane by the actuator arm while the trailing edge remains in the plane and slides across the top of the plane toward the point where the leading edge was first lifted away. Such a sliding hatch mechanism allows for quick opening and closing of a hatch door while providing more efficient use of mechanical energy for breaking ice build up or prevent intrusion.

Abstract: A cover for use with an elongated opening associated with a transportable barge. The cover includes a number of inter-engageable cover sections, each exhibiting a plasticized construction and extending in both widthwise and lengthwise fashion relative to an upper lip edge defining an open perimeter of the barge. Each cover section exhibits pairs of opposing lifting eyes and associated locking pins, these being defined along outer extending side edge locations of each cover section and is adapted to securing the cover section upon the barge perimeter defining edge. Each cover further includes a four point locking and unlocking feature activated by a lift handle for selectively opening a cargo carrying interior associated with the barge. A plurality of structurally strengthening trusses are also incorporated into each individually assemble-able barge section in combination with an in molded ladder associated with each end wall section.

Abstract: A cover for use with an elongated opening associated with a transportable barge. The cover includes a number of inter-engageable cover sections, each exhibiting a lightweight plasticized construction and extending in both widthwise and lengthwise fashion relative to an upper lip edge defining an open perimeter of the barge. Each cover section exhibits pairs of opposing lifting eyes and associated locking pins, these being defined along outer extending side edge locations of each cover section and is adapted to securing the cover section upon the barge perimeter defining edge. At least one roller supported and traversable door is incorporated into each cover section and defines a selectively open location for accessing a cargo carrying interior associated with the barge.

Abstract: Systems and processes for closing openings in marine vessel hulls are provided. The systems and processes facilitate repairs and maintenance of marine vessels by closing openings in the marine vessel hulls to permit dry access to compartments in communication with the openings. The processes and systems incorporate a cover constructed from a lightweight material such as fiberglass, a viscoelastic material such as polyethylene or polyurethane, and blends thereof. The cover is guided in place to effectuate closure of the opening by a track device that receives at least two of the peripheral edges of the cover and directs the cover to the proper position to close the hull opening. The cover may be lowered into place by use of a hoisting device such as a davit.

Abstract: A sliding elevated pilot deck section (“SEPDS”), including a main deck segment with an upper portion and a lower portion and an engine compartment chamber generally in the middle of the upper portion of the main deck segment, a moving rear pilot deck assembly (“RPDA”), and means for moving the RPDA along the main deck section toward and away from the transom of the vessel.

Abstract: A weatherproof sliding door assembly for opening and closing a boat cabin companionway wherein upper and lower aluminum track C-channel rails are supported to extend generally horizontally above and below the companionway. Each rail has a hollow interior slideway and a longitudinally extending slot opening thereto. A flexible plastic door panel has upper and lower edges respectively juxtaposed to the upper and lower rails and slidably mounted therein by upper and lower slide and cap panel-clamping sub-assemblies respectively that are secured by clamping to the door panel upper and lower edges and that extend the full length thereof. Each sub-assembly has a first leg wall extending therefrom into the associated rail slideway via the rail slot opening and terminating therein in a glide carrier portion. A pair of glides are mounted on each glide carrier portion adjacent its longitudinally opposite ends and bear slidably on the rail slideway for supporting the door panel for sliding motion along the rails.

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 method and apparatus for pasteurizing comminuted wood. A housing is substantially sealed over the hatch of a ship's cargo hold before it is opened. The hold contains comminuted wood for transport, which are typically contaminated with pathogens that it is desired to destroy. Hot water is provided to combine with the comminuted wood to form a slurry. The slurry is pumped to a pasteurization vessel where it is held for a predetermined pasteurization temperature and time. Subsequent to the predetermined pasteurization time, the slurry exits the pasteurization vessel and the water is reclaimed from the wood chips. The reclaimed water is preferentially reused to slurry more chips. The method and apparatus preferably include employing an air removal and cleaning system which maintains the environment within the cargo hold at conditions tolerable for a worker to work therein, the air removal and cleaning system purifying the air obtained therefrom before exhausting it into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A mine neutralisation vehicle comprises a first portion to which propulsion units are attached by which propulsion units the vehicle is positioned. Pivotally connected to the first section is a second section containing a shaped charge warhead. By means of the pivot connection the shaped charge can be directed at a mine, for example a buried mine, while the main body of the vehicle is maintained in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A vehicle for self-propelled travel through a body of water includes a hull, a propulsive element for engaging the water, an engine, and a fuel storage container. The engine includes a combustion chamber for receiving a monopropellant fuel and combusting the monopropellant fuel to form an energized gas. The engine includes responsive elements for drawing energy from expansion of the energized gas. The responsive elements are coupled to the propulsive element to drive the propulsive element. A fuel flow path extends from the container upstream to the combustion chamber downstream. A pump system pumps the fuel from the container. A port draws water from the body of water through the hull in at least a first mode of operation. A water flow path extends from the port upstream to the combustion chamber downstream in at least the first mode of operation.

Abstract: A nautical vehicle for traveling in a fluid environment, the nautical vehe comprising a body having a dorsal fin mounted thereon. The body comprises a sidewall, a forward nose and a rear propulsor for propelling the vehicle in an axial direction. The dorsal fin is mounted on the sidewall, and includes a dorsal fin surface and camber generating element for generating a camber to provide a sideways thrust on said body to facilitate brisk maneuvering of the vehicle in the fluid environment.

Abstract: An overhang roof of a yacht contains a compartment which stores a flexible canopy. The compartment includes upper and lower clamshell members, the lower clamshell member pivoting with respect to the upper member. When the lower clamshell member is unlatched and pivoted downward, the canopy is exposed, and it can be allowed to drop from the compartment and affixed to suitable parts of the yacht. The lower clamshell member can be closed and latched even when the canopy is hanging down from the compartment. The canopy thus forms a temporary enclosure for the rear deck portion of the yacht. The enclosure can be easily dismantled by returning the canopy to the compartment, and closing and latching the lower clamshell member.

Abstract: A vibrationally and acoustically insulated structure includes a structure using enclosing a source of internally generated noise and vibrations. The structure further includes a vibration and acoustic insulating device positioned over a portion of the internal surface of the housing and having a vibration damping portion and acoustic absorbing portion. The vibration damping portion, such as a constrained damping layer having a continuous damping layer and a segmented constraining layer of individual rigid segments, reduces vibrations transmitted through the structure housing. The acoustic absorbing portion includes an acoustic barrier layer adjacent the constrained damping layer, an acoustic absorption layer adjacent to the acoustic barrier layer and one or more mounts for mounting the acoustic absorption layer and acoustic barrier layer to the constrained damping layer. The acoustic absorption device reduces the reverberating acoustic waves within the structure housing.

Abstract: An expendable underwater vehicle for use in training naval forces in anti-submarine warfare in ocean waters is between about three to five feet in length and about five inches in diameter, and it is field programmable. The expendable underwater vehicle can be programmed in the field at the location where the vehicle actually will be used as a training device. A system for field programming the vehicle comprises a run geometry generator and a portable interface module. The run geometry generator downloads the operational parameters to the portable interface module, and the portable interface module then downloads the operational parameters into the vehicle. These operational parameters are stored in the vehicle and then used by the vehicle during an in-water run.

Abstract: An underwater vehicle such as a torpedo has a jet pump propulsion system. A high speed pump is located inside a rigid cylindrical housing of the torpedo near an end thereof. A water inlet communicates with the pump as does a water outlet provided at the aft end of the rigid housing via a water passage. A high speed electrical motor, on the order of 10,000 rpm, is provided inside an inner cylindrical housing disposed within the outer cylindrical housing. The electric motor is provided aft of the pump and the electric motor shaft is directly coupled to the pump rotor. Only one bearing and one water seal is provided between the electric motor and pump rotor. A water exit passage is provided between the inner cylindrical housing containing the high speed motor and the rigid outer cylindrical housing. Water passing through the exit passage cools the electric motor by dissipating heat therefrom.

Abstract: An induced flow underwater vehicle motor cooling jacket adaptable to an urwater vehicle motor is provided. The cooling jacket has a self-priming inlet incorporated into the afterbody motor shell section which ingests seawater during either vehicle movement through the water or operation of the vehicle motor. The motor cooling jacket has a coiled tubing assembly, forming a heat exchanger with a variable tube cross-section, wrapped tightly around the motor. One end of the tubing is attached to the self-priming inlet and the coolant discharge nozzle at the opposite end of the tubing exhausts to the region immediately ahead of the vehicle propeller. Solder is applied between each coil to maintain strength and the tightly wrapped configuration of the cooling jacket.

Abstract: A torpedo tube shutter door assembly includes a series of segmented, abutg panels constituting a shutter door for selectively blocking an elongate opening formed in an outer hull of a submarine. The panels are movable between a closed position in which the panels fair to the outer hull and block the opening, and an open position in which the panels slidably move away from the opening along a longitudinal axis. Links connect the panels together and a guide mechanism guides the sliding movement of the panels between their closed and open positions. A drive actuates sliding movement of the panels between closed and open positions.

Abstract: There is presented an underwater vehicle tailcone assembly including a ford flange, a first tubular sheath extending rearwardly from the forward flange, and elastomer material bonded to inner and outer surfaces of the first sheath to form a forward chamber wall. The assembly further includes an aft flange, a second tubular sheath extending forwardly from the aft flange, and elastomer material bonded to inner and outer surfaces of the second sheath to form an aft chamber wall. The assembly still further includes a rigid housing wall disposed between a rearward end of the forward chamber wall and a forward end of the aft chamber wall. The forward chamber wall, the housing wall, and the aft chamber wall form a continuous tailcone wall from a forward edge of the forward flange to a rearward edge of the aft flange.

Abstract: In a submarine weapon, particularly for combating submarines, a rocket engine with continuous rocket thrust is utilized as the submarine drive unit. An actively locating, acoustic target seeking device is provided for target detection and target pursuance, the ranging frequency of which is selected so that the echo level to be expected from its detection range lies above the noise level of the rocket engine.

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 coolant subsystem for a torpedo propulsion system having an external costion expansion engine. The coolant subsystem includes a valve which provides for one-way flow through the coolant subsystem. Inclusion of the valve prevents a backflow of exhaust gas into the coolant subsystem, thereby reducing the risk of torpedo failure due to engine overheating when the torpedo is launched in shallow water.

Abstract: Break-up activity of water by injection of hot propellant gas into channels f a thrust expansion engine is suppressed to prevent rapid cooling of the gas, utilizing one or more methods including injection of a secondary inflow of the propellant gas and/or the water under lower pressures into the channels, injection of a viscosity enhancer and/or surfactant into the inflow stream of the water and restricting outflow of the water from the channels by means of convergent nozzles.

Abstract: A unique arrangement of components comprising an open Rankine cycle power system for under water application is provided. The arrangement features a high energy density steam generator, a turbine, pumps and other apparatus to provide and control the flow of a seawater working fluid and the use of a mixing condenser to condense the spent steam. The mixing condenser uses droplets of seawater to condense the steam exhausted from the turbine. Alternatively, the steam may be introduced into a pool of water in the mixing condenser by means of a bubble device. The mixing condenser also provides a preheated feedwater supply for the boiler. This system facilitates the packaging of power sources an order of magnitude more powerful than current sources. Moreover, this system can be installed in current vehicles.

Abstract: A marine propulsor for submersible vessels or surface vessels powered by underwater propulsion units. A shaftless motor with disk-shaped rotor and stator(s) is mounted in the vessel structure with a blade hub mounted on the rotor, the hub including propeller blades extending beyond the circumference of the vessel housing. The motor is substantially iron-free with much of the rotor/stator volume being occupied by windings, thus providing sufficient power without taking up substantial space or adding burdensome weight. The rotor is journal mounted in the vessel and circumferential thrust bearing assemblies are provided around the rotor/blade hub assembly. A water cooling/lubricating system is provided for the bearings and rotor/stator(s). Power is supplied individually to two stators mounted on either side of the rotor to control electromagnetic forces on the rotor to offset thrust forces and to reduce the magnitude of propulsor induced structural vibration.

Abstract: The invention defines a propulsion system for an underwater vehicle. More particularly, the invention describes a turbo-hydroduct propulsion system which operates on stored, high energy fuel. The fuel is combusted and powers a turbopump which pressurizes ingested water to a very high pressure. The pressurized water is subsequently exhausted from the vehicle to produce thrust.

Abstract: A small boat comprising a helmseat positioned at the center of the forward half of the boat, and a control stick for steering the boat positioned at the front of this helmseat. Since the helmseat is positioned at the center of the forward half of the boat, the driver is located approximately equidistant from the left and right gunwales, which makes it easier to steer the boat. In addition, a control stick is positioned to the front of the helmseat, and, because this control stick can be used to steer the boat and also to change the direction of the boat, the amount of space required to steer the boat is less than that required in a design wherein steering is performed by turning a circular steering wheel, such as with the prior art already described. This is effective particularly for a small boat moving at a high speed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sliding doors for closure of entranceways and to companionway entrance closure for watercraft in particular. A sliding plastic door panel is provided and the door panel, being translucent, admits light into the interior of a cabin area. The entire door assembly is mounted on the outside of a boat cabin and does not take up space in the cabin interior, but allows more usable cabin space within.Upper and lower plastic tracks are provided for movement of plastic roller trucks therein. The door panel, the two open tracks and the roller assembly are non metallic and non-corroding and the rollers do not require lubrication. The door panel and other parts do not require painting and provide a track and roller arrangement in which the weight of the sliding door panel is directed downward against the bottom of the track, and provides a sliding door that is smooth and easy to use in operation, and very attractive in appearance.

Abstract: A noise damping system incorporating in the hull of an underwater torpedo or the like which includes a power plant having a boiler. An inner hull section includes hotwell passages about the boiler whereby subcooled liquid in the hotwell passages absorbs heat from the boiler. A noise damping elastomer layer is provided about the inner hull section whereby the hotwell passages insulate the noise damping layer from the boiler. An outer hull section has condenser passages about the noise damping layer. The hotwell passages and the condenser passages are part of the closed circulation system of the power plant.

Abstract: A kayak or similar water craft includes a releasable deck that allows the operator to easily evacuate the craft during an emergency. A plurality of large headed pins are preferably employed to attach the releasable deck plate to the upper surface of the hull of the vessel. The head of the pin is received in the large opening of a key hole which includes a slotted groove portion. When the pin is received in the groove portion the deck plate is securely fastened to the kayak. Forward pressure exerted by the operator causes the pins to slide out of the key holes, thereby releasing the deck plate from the craft. The deck plate is held in place by a holding handle or a clip and detent arrangement until it is ready for release. The purpose of the invention is to make it safer for water craft operators to safely and effectively evacuate a vessel during an emergency.

Abstract: The size of a bearing 34 required to journal a propeller 16 may be reduced by mounting the bearing 34 on a piston 44 received in a cylinder 46 and by locating a piston 62 in a groove 52 on the hub 18 of the propeller 16. The groove 52 acts as a second cylinder and opens oppositely of the cylinder 46. The two are interconnected by bores and ports 64, 66, 68, 70 and filled with an incompressible fluid.

Abstract: A boat includes a hatch assembly for closing an opening in the coach roof of the boat. The hatch assembly includes a roof part which is movable between a first position in which the opening is open and a second position in which the opening is closed. Additionally, the roof part is movable to a third position above and substantially in alignment with the second position. Front and side walls are provided between the roof part and the coach roof when the roof part is in the third position to substantially enclose the opening in the coach roof.

Abstract: Weight, noise and response difficulties in boilers utilized in torpedoes are eliminated in a construction including a housing having an interior wall, defining a chamber with at least one oxidant inlet. A plurality of working fluid conduits each have an inlet and an outlet exterior of the housing and heat exchange section within the chamber. Each heat exchange section is a plural convolution coil and the individual convolutions of each conduit are interleaved with the individual convolutions of the other conduits. Valves control the flow of working fluid through at least some of the conduits independently of the others.

Abstract: The present invention provides an extendable and retractable cover for the cockpit of a small boat, especially for but not limited to boats of the recreational type. A cover sheet is rolled on to a roller that is disposed across the transom of the boat and may be unrolled to follow guides along the edges of the sides of the cockpit and to be latched to the top of the boat's windshield. Mechanism, preferably electrically operated, is provided for rolling and unrolling the sheet. The opposite edges of the sheet are reinforced by wear strips or beads that run in the guides. Cable and sheave or pulley devices are provided for rolling and unrolling the sheet. The structure may be provided as original equipment or as an after-market attachment.

Abstract: Arrangement for a thermal, steam-powered engine in a submarine vehicle, for example a torpedo. A condenser is so arranged as to separate the exhaust from the engine into a condensable exhaust fraction and into a non-condensable exhaust fraction. A compressor, which is connected to the engine for the purpose of silencing, is so arranged as to compress only the non-condensable exhaust fraction which, after compression, is discharged through an exhaust outlet into the surrounding sea water. The condenser is in the form of a sleeve which for silencing purposes encloses both the engine and the compressor. A sound-deadening gap is arranged between the condenser and the hull of the vehicle.

Abstract: The system provides propulsion of an underwater vehicle without the need noise producing gears or internal combustion engines. Variable speed of two impellers is automatically controlled from a single hydraulic piston regardless of depth, as is the horizontal and vertical attitude. Upright stability of the vehicle is held by controlling the speed of one impeller versus the other also using a single hydraulic piston. Since the speed controlling element allows output speed adjustments from zero to maximum, efficiency of the battery powered prime mover is high. The motor is allowed to come up to full high operational speed under no load conditions (zero output speed) developing vast amounts of kinetic energy through centrifugally forced contact rollers. This energy becomes available for the supply of peak power without taxing the prime mover, while continuing to reestablish the spent kinetic energy during periods of low power output.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cover rolling mechanism for barge covers an inverted U-shaped bar is welded to the push knees of the tugboat and the sheave is supported on top of such bar. A winch is supported nearby on the floor of the tugboat. A cable is entrained over the sheave and pulled by the winch after the end of the cable has been hooked on a double top cover of the barge, which cover, together with other covers protects the lime, or other load in the barge, from rain or other elements of weather. The cable may be re-attached to other covers to affect nesting on top and bottom covers which roll along tracks on the barge. An even central pull is thus affected on the covers.

Abstract: A sliding top for a boat includes forward and rearward portions of greater length than the spacing between a cabin and cockpit of the boat, the sliding top being movable between a forward position in which the available space of the cockpit is increased, and a rearward position in which the available space within the cabin is increased.

Abstract: A hopper barge has a cover formed by a plurality of telescoping housings with the central housing being the highest and the other housings decreasing in height to the outermost housing at each end. The central housing has a transverse plate extending across it at the center of its length. The outermost housing at each end is driven separately with the other housings having cooperating elements to engage each other to cause the housings on each side of the transverse plate of the central housing to sequentially move in or out with respect to the central housing. All of the housings have glides or wheels on each side for riding on flat surfaces supported on opposite sides of the barge.

Abstract: A container and cover arrangement such as a ship's hold and hatch cover comprises a plurality of cover elements. Hinges are provided for inter-connecting adjacent ones of the cover elements so as to permit pivotal movement of the cover elements outwardly of the container in response to a pulling force. A latching arrangement is provided which comprises an engagement portion on the container and a latch element displaceably mounted on a cover element for co-operating latching engagement with the engagement portion. The latch element is displaceable in response to said pulling force prior to movement of the cover elements to permit release of engagement between the latch element and engagement portion.

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.

Abstract: Tablets of aluminum and potassium perchlorate (ALCLO), used to ignite a perred fuel in a closed cycle steam engine, are wrapped in aluminum foil to avoid the creation of powdered ALCLO. The prevention of powdering the ALCLO tablets reduces the possibility of inadvertent ignition from electrostatic discharge, ignition by mechanical or other means. Also, the creation of higher than intended burn rates is prevented when intentional ignition is initiated.