Abstract: This invention relates to a rigid device for supporting a reactor vessel and steam generators associated therewith. The device consists of a metallic structure comprising, on the one hand, a lower portion serving as a support for the vessel and its associated generators through the medium of square journals fitted in fixed ball-joint bearings with a corresponding square bore and on the other hand, an upper portion 6 which comprises on either side two lateral portions surrounding and holding the generators.

Abstract: An improved barge and tug connection apparatus comprises a barge having a V-notched portion for receiving a tug into the V-notch. A tug for pushing the barge is disposed during operation within the notch allowing the tug to pitch and heave in the notch relative to the barge responsive to wave action. An articulated bow fender attached normally to the bow of the tug and disposed during operation between the bow of the tug and a portion of the notch of the barge longitudinally spaces the barge from the bow of the tug. The articulated bow fender maintains a substantially constant horizontal spacing of the barge with respect to the tug in a longitudinal direction while allowing both the tug along its entire length to pitch and heave with respect to the barge responsive to wave action.

Abstract: A reactor unit and a nuclear installation which uses said reactor unit and method of fitting up such an installation. Said installation includes mainly a reactor unit (2) which constitutes a shiftable module formed by a casing (7) and a stand (8), by a container unit (1) designed to accommodate the reactor unit (2) and by a module (3) for closing the container unit (1) and forming, for example, a swimming bath type storing unit for the used nuclear fuel. The installation of the invention may constitute a nuclear boiler which can be transported to the operation site in the form of an integral assembly or in separate components.

Abstract: A method of welding the ends of submerged pipes in a gaseous atmosphere at any depth comprises isolating the ends of the pipes by introducing obturators therein and then introducing the pipe ends into an open topped receptacle which is capped with an underwater personal carrying intervention unit. The closed receptacle is filled with gas and then a sleeve is positioned between the ends of the pipes and welded to the pipes.

Abstract: In a method of welding together two submerged pipe ends, the pipe ends are spaced apart and introduced through orifices into a receptacle by which they can be isolated from the surrounding medium. The spaced pipe ends are connected by a connection sleeve and after isolation are welded to the connection sleeve.

Abstract: Butt-welding apparatus for welding two pipes, e.g. for the shipboard welding of a laid pipe and a towed pipe, comprises a frame for receiving the pipe ends, means for securing the pipe ends relative to the frame and compensation means for causing movement of one pipe relative to the other to compensate for any shrinkage caused by the welding operation and by preheating the pipe ends to be welded.

Abstract: A compact telemanipulator arm assembly with a rotatable gripping tool is disclosed that is watertight and has a sleek profile suitable for penetrating into narrow underwater passages of nuclear reactors. The assembly has a plurality of elongated arm elements jointed together end-to-end in series relationship. Bending of adjacent elements is achieved by an axially aligned motor housed within one of the adjacent elements, a screw-nut system that converts the motor shaft rotation to axial movement of a slider, and mechanical linkage that converts the slider movement to relative pivoting of the elements. The gripping tool is mounted on a tool support on an end element. Tool gripping members are operated by a first axially aligned motor housed within the end element and a screw-nut system that converts the first motor shaft rotation to axial movement of a slider.

Abstract: A system for welding the ends of submerged pipes in a gaseous atmosphere at any depth comprises isolating the ends of the pipes by introducing obturators therein and then introducing the pipe ends into an open topped receptacle which is capped with an underwater personal carrying intervention unit. The closed receptacle is filled with gas and then a sleeve is positioned between the ends of the pipes and welded to the pipes.

Abstract: In a method of welding together two submerged pipe ends, the pipe ends are spaced apart and introduced through orifices into a receptacle by which they can be isolated from the surrounding medium. The spaced pipe ends are connected by a connection sleeve and after isolation are welded to the connection sleeve.

Abstract: The ends of submerged pipes are connected using a receiver provided with two apertures through which the pipe ends extend, the receiver being adapted to form a watertight enclosure with an intervention unit and housing means for closing the ends of the pipes comprising two stoppers bearing seal means to be applied against the inner walls of the pipe ends and being maintained spaced apart by a first boom, the receiver including means for supporting a sleeve to be connected to the ends of the pipes and a replacement boom located in the sleeve, the connection being performed by introducing the ends of the pipes to be connected into the receiver through the apertures, at least one of the pipe ends being introduced by movement of the receiver relative thereto, closing the ends of the pipes with the stoppers, causing an intervention unit to descend on to the receiver, providing a watertight enclosure therewith, removing the water from the enclosure and placing it under atmospheric pressure, placing the receiver und

Abstract: The ends of submerged pipes are connected using a receiver provided with two apertures through which the pipe ends extend, the receiver being adapted to form a watertight enclosure with an intervention unit and housing means for closing the ends of the pipes comprising two stoppers bearing seal means to be applied against the inner walls of the pipe ends and being maintained spaced apart by a first boom, the receiver including means for supporting a sleeve to be connected to the ends of the pipes and a replacement boom located in the sleeve, the connection being performed by introducing the ends of the pipes to be connected into the receiver through the apertures, at least one of the pipe ends being introduced by movement of the receiver relative thereto, closing the ends of the pipes with the stoppers, causing an intervention unit to descend on to the receiver, providing a watertight enclosure therewith, removing the water from the enclosure and placing it under atmospheric pressure, placing the receiver und

Abstract: To enable the release and consequent recovery of a support float which supports a load, e.g. a pipe, as it is lowered to the sea bed, a marker buoy is lowered with the float to be released when the load reaches the sea bed, the marker buoy having an inflated flexible envelope which is trapped in a housing fast with the float and having an opening through which the float can escape only when it has been compressed to a predetermined extent under the effects of a predetermined hydrostatic pressure. The marker buoy is connected to the float by a cable and the float is released from the load either by operations on that cable, or on a release cable connected to the float, on appearance of the marker buoy at the water surface.

Abstract: A pusher tug and barge in combination joined rigidly yet separately in tandem to form a single pusher type seagoing unit in which the two vessels are interconnected via hydraulic compression members combined with pressure accumulators.

Abstract: A system for interconnecting a barge and a pusher tug in which the stern of the barge is provided with a groove having a cross-section complementary to that of the bow of a pusher tug which it is to receive in mating engagement. The mated vessels define a clearance zone and are held together by a connecting rod. The two vessels are provided in the said clearance zone with support plates and inflatable compression devices such as inflatable cushions.

Abstract: Cargo transfer device for transferring heavy loads at sea between ships or ship and an off-shore platform. In one embodiment the device essentially comprises an inverted V-shaped cargo boom including two booms pivoted together at their top ends and to the respective ships at their bottom ends. A manoeuvering cable with its winch brings the cargo boom into position once the ships are coupled together. A lifting cable with its associated winch lifts the load at the beginning and end of the transfer operation. The transfer operation per se is insured by a traction cable with its winch and a restraining cable with its winch. This arrangement of three cables acting in three different directions prevents pendular movement of the load during transfer. The resultant force exerted by the device tends to maintain the ships at a distance from each other. In the other embodiment a crane is provided on the supply ship having its boom pivotally mounted about a horizontal pivot.

Abstract: Apparatus for checking the bore and for plugging a pipe comprises a frame movable along the interior of the pipe, the frame carrying means for detecting a deviation in the bore of the pipe, means responsive to an overpressure of fluid in the pipe in a direction opposite to that in which the apparatus is intended to move, and a movable control part responsive to the detection of a deviation and of an overpressure for operating locking means for locking the apparatus relative to the pipe and sealing means for sealing the pipe.