Abstract: A pontoon connector system and process are provided which allows pontoons to be connected at sea, even under rough sea conditions, so that the pontoons can be connected, for example, to form a barge. Initially, the pontoons are coupled by cables which are connected to winches disposed on one of the pontoons. The cables are then wound upon the winches to draw the pontoons together until latch members can be connected between the pontoons. Once the latch members connect the pontoons together, conventional connectors can then be inserted between connector sites of the pontoons.

Abstract: A ship's steering gear mechanism (10) embodying a number of improvements to the well-known Rapson-Slide apparatus provides greatly improved operating efficiencies and cost effectiveness by inclusion of a specially configured transverse travelling channel, trunion-mounted hydraulic cylinders (12* and 14*), and reduced friction sliding/rolling slider elements (48 and 144). The traveling channels formed by a pair of transverse beams (34) prevent harmful forces from being reflected back into the hydraulic cylinders, thus reducing their size and strength requirements, while other improvements decrease operating losses due to friction/stiction, and compensate for both static and dynamic component misalignments.

Abstract: Individual stalk shredder units are mounted beneath the frame between the wheels of a cotton harvester. The shredder units are connected to a shredder bar which is attached to the frame by support arms. The height of shredder bar in use is regulated by gauge wheels. The shredder bar is raised and lowered by a power lift mechanism.

Abstract: A vacuum flush water closet having a bowl and rim which are made from steel stampings covered with chemical resistant porcelain. The water closet has a self-contained flushing water and sewage valve discharge control system which is operatively mounted around the bowl and enclosed by an outer shroud made of a molded high impact plastic material. The water closet is shock proof and is mounted on a base plate that may be fixedly secured to a mounting surface, such as a floor or ship's deck. The bowl is mounted on a sewage discharge valve which is spring closed and vacuum opened. Flushing water is supplied through a spray ring mounted around the upper end of the bowl. The flushing water is controlled by a vacuum operated valve. The operation of the flushing water valve and the sewage discharge valve is controlled by a vacuum-gravity timer which is activated by a push button switch mounted at the rear of the bowl rim.