Abstract: A device for sealing an opening in a wall includes at least one flexible, deformable balloon; a locking bar that is slidable into the opening of the wall from one side of the latter and engages with the opposite side of said wall; a plate capable of bearing on the at least one balloon and of sandwiching same against the wall; and a flexible connecting rope located between the locking bar and the plate and that passes through an inner duct of the balloon and is capable of compressing the balloon against the opening.

Abstract: A leak prevention device and method of use to prevent leakage and sinkage of ships that have collided with immobile objects comprising at least two inflatable cylindrical bodies that have cables attached to each of its ends. The cylinders are lowered over one side of a ship or delivered by rescue vessels and then manipulated by the cables or guide wires, one past the stern of the ship and the other past the bow of the ship so that the lines are on the opposite side of the ship, so that guide-wires pass under the hull of the ship and surround the object of the collision fully on one side. The process is repeated on the opposite side of the ship so that the two cylindrical structures crisscross. The cables are then tensioned and inflated with compressed air forming a tight seal between the hull and the point of collision.

Abstract: A leak prevention device and method of use to prevent leakage and sinkage of ships that have collided with immobile objects comprising at least two inflatable cylindrical bodies that have cables attached to each of its ends. The cylinders are lowered over one side of a ship or delivered by rescue vessels and then manipulated by the cables or guide wires, one past the stern of the ship and the other past the bow of the ship so that the lines are on the opposite side of the ship, so that guide-wires pass under the hull of the ship and surround the object of the collision fully on one side. The process is repeated on the opposite side of the ship so that the two cylindrical structures crisscross. The cables are then tensioned and inflated with compressed air forming a tight seal between the hull and the point of collision.

Abstract: An exterior hull patch and method of use for covering and containing leaks due to hull damage to ships, vessels and barges that has a flexible material center surrounded by an inflatable border or perimeter. The patch is positioned over the damaged area and then drawn tightly against the hull of the vessel via cables that are routed to both sides of the vessel and under its hull and attached to the patch perimeter as well as to winches or similar devices onboard the ship. Once the patch is relatively snug against the hull, the inflatable boarder is inflated with compressed gas to increase the pressure against the hull and leak, thus sealing the leak. This prevents the vessel from sinking as well as prevents liquid cargo to be lost.

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: The invention is a process for repairing a coating having a precise thickness damaged in a specific area. In detail, the process includes the steps of: 1) removing the damaged coating from the specific area; 2) placing a scrim material having a thickness equal to the required thickness of the coating in the specific; and 3) filling the specific area with coating material to the thickness of the scrim material.

Abstract: A self-repairing and unsinkable watercraft has the hull of the mid section of the craft covered by two moveable water impermeable sheaths. The sheaths rotate in opposite directions to temporarily seal a breach and to allow for better ease of permanent repair or replacement. In one preferred embodiment, the craft is fitted on each side with at least one pontoon-like sealed foam structure that is attached by moveable telescoping arms. Adjustment of the positions of these structures with arm movement provides for greater stability of the craft during various maneuvers, aids in keeping the craft upright, and adjusts for changes in buoyancy and lift as needed. When additional stability is wanted, the craft contains a layer of sealed foam beneath the main deck at or above the waterline and from one to three submerged cylinders that are opened or closed to the water at both ends as needed.

Abstract: A boat hull patch anchor adapted to be placed on the inside surface of a boat hull over and overlapping a hole in the hull. The hole in the boat hull may be tapered prior to bonding. A repair compound is applied from the outside surface of the boat hull. A method for the repair of a boat hull including tapering the profile of a hole in a boat hull, applying the patch anchor from the inside of the hull, and applying repair compound from the outside of the hull so as to fill the hole and anchor the patch.

Abstract: A remotely-operated unmanned vehicle attached to the hull of a marine vessel by electromagnets surveys the hull for damage. The vehicle attached to the hull is electronically controlled from a remote location. An imaging system on the vehicle provides an operator with images of the vessel's hull and the surrounding environment. Once damage has been found and assessed, the vehicle applies a patch over the damaged opening in the hull to prevent cargo outflow and water inflow. The patch, which resists puncturing and tearing, is constructed from one or more sheets of flexible material having dimensions appropriate to cover most openings.

Abstract: There is presented a damage control device for reducing flow of fluid from ruptured vessel. The device comprises a flexible blanket including chips of permanently magnetized metal embedded in a molded blanket of flexible oil-impermeable elastomeric material, such that the blanket as a whole comprises a flexible permanent magnet. Strength strands are provided with each strand having a portion embedded in the molded blanket and a terminal portion extending beyond a blanket edge. An attachment rings is secured to the terminal portion of each strand. Generally peripheral portions of the blanket are adapted to engage and magnetically fix to wall portions of the vessel surrounding a rupture therein. A generally central portion of the blanket is adapted to overlie the rupture.

Abstract: A remotely-operated unmanned vehicle attached to the hull of a marine vessel by electromagnets surveys the hull for damage. The vehicle attached to the hull is electronically controlled from a remote location. An imaging system on the vehicle provides an operator with images of the vessel's hull and the surrounding environment. Once damage has been found and assessed, the vehicle applies a patch over the damaged opening in the hull to prevent cargo outflow and water inflow. The patch, which resists puncturing and tearing, is constructed from one or more sheets of flexible material having dimensions appropriate to cover most openings.

Abstract: A temporary seal or patch assembly prevents the escape of contents, e.g., fluids and the like, from within a container having a breach therethrough until the contents can be removed and/or a repair effected. A frame that supports a sealing bladder can be positioned over the breach and the frame is then attached to the container surface, which must be of a ferromagnet material, by using switchable permanent magnets. The permanent magnets are designed to have a first condition that is not attracted to the ferromagnetic surface and a second conditions whereby the magnets are attracted to the surface with sufficient force to support the seal assembly on the surface. Latching devices may be attached to the frame and engage the container surface with hardened pins to prevent the lateral movement of the seal assembly along the container surface from external forces such as fluid drag or gravity.

Abstract: A mounting plate includes a pneumatic cylinder arranged in an annular continuous orientation to a first side of the mounting plate, with a pneumatic cylinder having clamping legs, with each clamping leg including a leg claw, and the clamping legs projecting coaxially of the pneumatic chamber, with pneumatic storage cylinders arranged to effect pivoting of the clamping legs to engage an interior surface of a ship's hull, with a further pneumatic storage cylinder arranged to inflate the pneumatic sealing chamber to effect sealing and secure engagement of exterior surface of a ship's hull about a ship hull opening to be repaired.

Abstract: An appliance for plugging a hole in a boat hull comprises a threaded stem (3), a tubular slide (4) sleeved upon the stem (3), a hub (5) fixed to a distal end of the stem (3), a proximal abutment flange (6) on the slide (4), a distal abutment flange (7) having a converging distal surface on the slide (4), a collar (8) slideable along the slide (4) between the abutment flanges, a plurality of ribs (10), each pivoted at one end to the collar (8) and able to radiate therefrom in the manner of wheel spokes, a like plurality of control arms (11) respectively pivoted at one end to the ribs (10) at a position intermediate the rib ends and pivoted at their other ends to the hub (5), and an impervious membrane (12) secured to the ribs (10) and filling the spaces therebetween when the ribs are radiating from the collar (8). Having been thrust through a hole in a boat hull the slide (4) may be moved outwardly to cause the ribs (10) to swing out and the membrane (12) to cover the hole.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting the environment from liquid spills, such as oil, when ocean going vessels become damaged and leak, having a flexible, durable and waterproof material deployed around the vessel to form a double hull type apparatus. Thus, having all vessels, which carry cargo dangerous to the environment, equipped with an apparatus that would automatically surround it if it sprang a leak would help to protect the environment. An apparatus, whereby when not in use is stored inside a protective housing, and when needed, would be powered by power units to pull the protective sheeting around the vessel, sealing the bow and the stern of the vessel, but allowing the propulsion system of the vessel to continue to operate, powering the vessel.

Abstract: A skin, preferably a rip-stop material with a dehydrated material thereon, is rapidly deployed to surround an oil transportation ship spilling oil from a hole or breach in the hull. The skin is snugged up to the hull to allow the dehydrated material to absorb the spilling oil, and also preferably expanding into and filling the hole or breach. The skin is stored on-board the ship on a storage spool.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for covering an opening (14) in the damaged metal hull (12) of a ship (10) including a flexible covering material (16) having a plurality of electromagnets (36) embedded therein between inner and outer layers (30, 34) and arranged in generally transverse rows. Electrical energy is applied in sequence to the electromagnets (36) after unrolling of the flexible material (16) alongside the hull (12) between the lowermost row of electromagnets (36) and the uppermost row of electromagnets (36). Fluid assist members (48) are provided to force the flexible material (16) toward the hull (12).

Abstract: A surgical floor mat having a plurality of compressed sponge sections with a low profile in a dry condition and a expanded profile in a wet condition for absorbing fluids which fall onto the sponge sections over the course of a surgical procedure. Furthermore, the compressed sponge sections are adhered to a waterproof and foldable sheet with a gap between each of the sponge sections to allow the foldable sheet and sponge sections to be easily folded for purposes of storage or later disposal. The waterproof and foldable sheet has a non-slip undersurface for secure engagement between the operating room floor and the surgical floor mat. Additionally, an adhesive strip can be used and affixed to the undersurface of the foldable sheet for greater securement to the floor and a number of different configurations for the surgical floor mat can be used.

Abstract: A magnetic ship hull patch (10) for temporarily sealing a breach in a ship hull (14) or other vessel wall by use of electromagnetivity. The magnetic ship hull patch (10) includes a rigid plate member (20) configured to substantially conform to the outer surface of the ship hull (12). A plurality of reinforcing members (24) is provided for strengthening the rigid member (20). At least one electrically operated magnet (30) is provided for selectively securing the rigid member (20) to the ship hull (24). At least one power cord (36) is provided for communication between a power source and each of the electrically operated magnets (30). A cushion (44) is provided for conforming a surface of the rigid member (30) to the shape of the ship hull (12) at the subject location of a breach (14). A seal (50) is provided for sealably engaging the magnetic ship hull patch (10) with the ship hull (12). A support (56) may be provided for the storage and simplified transport of the magnetic ship hull patch (10).

Abstract: An oil control sock has an enlarged inlet end which is placed over the ruptured opening in the side of an oil vessel while the outer free open end is then raised to a position above the oil level in the tanker thereby allowing the oil to seek its own level. The oil sock can also be used with extensions as needed and may be used for unloading the tanker into an assisting vessel. The sock is held in place on the side of the vessel by electromagnets.

Abstract: A water pollution containment device comprises a number of uniform assemblies joined to adjacent uniform assemblies around the periphery of a liquid cargo carrying vessel such as an oil tanker. The uniform assemblies each include a skirt which is joined to the skirts of the adjacent uniform assemblies, a skirt launching device, a skirt retrieving device and a housing structure for the foregoing. The uniform assemblies may be operated to contain spills around a leaking vessel, to contain spills around a sunken vessel and may be quickly and easily inspected and maintained.

Abstract: A system and method to reduce outflow of liquid such as oil due to the rupture of a ship's tank by means of creating, and continuing to maintain, a partial vacuum in the effected tank or tanks. A partial vacuum below atmospheric pressure is created in the ship's tank. The vacuum is continuously maintained in a precise balance responsive to the forces acting on the contents of the tank, which forces change when the tank is ruptured. If the rupture is below the water line and on the side hull, then surface tension dynamics induce a stratified flow, forcing water into the tank through the lower part of the rupture while forcing the oil upward and out of the tank, oppositely to the flow of water, until the water level reaches the top part of the rupture. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention even the stratified flow is stopped because a non-structural barrier is placed over the rupture.

Abstract: A rupture in a portion of the cargo hold area of a liquid-bulk carrier cargo ship is closed by attaching a one-piece, flexible, liquid-impermeable blanket to the hull adjacent to the rupture, then placing a plurality of further holding elements over that blanket and attaching those holding elements to the ship. The preferred form of the blanket includes neoprene sheeting material. Alternative forms of the holding elements include telescoping sections in a sleeve.

Abstract: A method and means for covering an opening (14) in the damaged metal hull (12) of a ship (10) including a flexible covering material (16) having a plurality of electromagnets (36) embedded therein between inner and outer layers (30, 34) and arranged in generally transverse rows. Electrical energy is applied in sequence to the electromagnets (36) after unrolling of the flexible material (16) alongside the hull (12) from the uppermost row of electromagnets (36) to the lowermost row of electromagnets (36). Air assist members (48) are provided to force the flexible material (16) toward the hull (12).

Abstract: A patch or plug repair system for temporarily sealing a rupture in a ship's hull to prevent ingress of sea water or egress of oil. The patch frame utilizes electromagnetic bars to seal a perimeter around the rupture in the longitudinal direction, and resilient gaskets are used at the ends of the frame.

Abstract: A hull hole closure apparatus for use with an oil tanker having a hull hole, to seal the hull hole. A first embodiment of the hull hole closure consists of a flexible, waterproof, rectangular sheet, having forward and aft longitudinal reinforcing straps on its concave side edges, as well as transverse reinforcing straps on the concave top edges, joined at the corners with reinforced corner pieces. The hull hole closure is symmetrical about the keel of the tanker, passing under the keel from the starboard to the port side. Cables, secured to winches or cleats, attach to corners of the hull hole closure, drawing it tightly against the hull. Inflatable forward and aft longitudinal high pressure sealing hoses attached to the inner surface of the sheet, adjacent the side edges, seal the sheet to the hull and keel, while longitudinal inflatable bladders extend outward past the high pressure sealing hoses to fill irregular concave areas in the hull not in contact with the high pressure sealing hoses.

Abstract: An oil-impermeable curtain is sealed to a vessel's hull at the top and lateral sides around a rupture, the bottom of the curtain being not sealed to the hull. This forms an open downwardly-facing pocket for containing oil leaking from the rupture.

Abstract: A system carried aboard tankers which upon deployment serves to positively contain oil leaking therefrom. A boot sealingly engages the hull while a buoyant boom supports the periphery of an impermeable liner attached to the boot. A skirt extending from the boom is tethered to the deck of the vessel. The entire system is normally maintained in a compact, folded form spooled up on a storage reel which is positioned on the deck of the tanker.

Abstract: The instant invention is best described as an emergency tank leakage control device for an ocean going tanker damaged (holed) tank. The proposed installed shipboard rolled curtains, haulage winches, cables, and controls must be manually operated by the ship's crew when needed to control leakage from a ruptured tank. Equipment is not shown or proposed to automatically deploy leakage control curtains however automatic operation is considered feasible.

Abstract: A temporary, reusable, movable hull patch for a damaged oil tanker hull having sides is disclosed. The hull patch comprising an upper track being rigidly affixed to each side of the hull, a lower track being rigidly affixed to each side of the hull and spaced a distance from the upper track, a body portion, four flaps framing the body portion and having four free edges, respectively, containing a resilient material so as to provide a good seal between the hull and the four flaps, the four flaps having a sealed position and an unsealed position, four pivots for pivotally connecting the four flaps to the body portion, respectively, four hydraulic cylinders for moving the four flaps from the sealed position to the unsealed position and vice versa, and two trucks attached to and riding on the lower track and the upper track.

Abstract: A lipped mouth seal structure with inflated lips mounting a sponge rubber type seal engaging the side of a large container tank or ship such as an oil tanker around an area of puncture or rupture with the lips generally rectangular about an area enclosed thereby. The lips and the area within the lips is spanned by a leak proof flexible membrane overlying the back sides of the lips. The lips underlie, at the top and bottom of the seal structure, transverse cross brace bars retained in rearwardly extended sleeves of the seal structure. The lips are in the form of inflatable rings of rubber (natural rubber, synthetic rubber or rubber-like plastic) mounting the resiliently deflectable sponge rubber type seal on the front ship facing side of lips with the sponge rubber seal along with the inflatable rings resiliently deflectable to conform to ship outer surface irregularities in providing sealed containment about a ship skin rupture opening.

Abstract: A lipped mouth structure with lips engaging the side of a ship such as an oil tanker around an area of puncture or rupture with a flexible diaper container fastened to the lips and extended outward therefrom. The lip structure has transverse cross brace bars retained in molded pockets of the lip structure with the lips in the form of inflatable rings of rubber (synthetic rubber or rubber like plastic) having a soft pliable surface engaging the side of a ship. Vertically oriented straps with "D" rings at their opposite ends are provided for tying the straps and the lip structure in place on the side of a damaged ship with cables attached to the "D" rings. The flexible diaper container is supported by floats spaced strategically along the length thereof to support the diaper container in its extension along the surface of the water while flexing with wave action of the sea.

Abstract: A device for temporary application to the hull of small craft to close accidental breaches in the hull which includes a mat having a raised annular wall to surround and close off a breach from the water surrounding the hull. Suction cups are arranged on the mat around the wall to hold the mat against the hull. Reinforcing ribs can prevent pressure collapse of the mat within the wall and internal mechanical fastenings may supplement the action of the suction cups.

Abstract: A portable device for closing a breach in a boat hull from the inside or the outside which includes an inflatable shallow dome sortable in a cylindrical form and automatically inflatable by the use of a self-contained cartridge to cause expansion into a non-buoyant shallow dome which can seal against a hull breach and enable a damaged boat to reach port.

Abstract: An inflatable fluid-filled bladder for covering damaged areas of ship and barge hulls is disclosed. The bladder is lined on one side with a foam material which engages and seals the damaged area of the hull, and is covered on the opposite side with a wire net which positions and holds the bladder against the hull by means of suitable cables and winches. An edge frame to which the wire net is secured is provided around the bladder and an upstanding bracket is secured to the frame. Tension cables connected to the apex of the upstanding bracket exert pressure through the bracket legs to the edge frame to improve the seal between the edge of the patch and the surface of the hull.

Abstract: A portable, safety hull cover for a marine vessel or the like which may be quickly deployed from a vessel which has sustained hull damage that destroys the water-tight integrity of the hull which could cause the vessel to flood and ultimately sink. The saftety cover is a flexible, waterproof sheet of material sized and shaped for attachably conforming to the vessel bow, sides and keel, with the cover being readily connected to the bow by an attaching noose and deployed against the hull along the outside bottom of the vessel. The safety cover when deployed will prevent water from being received into the boat through a damaged hull section as long as the boat or vessel is moving, such as would be the case with the vessel trying to reach a safe harbor. The device has an auxiliary use to form an enclosure around the boat for cleaning the hull.