Abstract: A system for offloading granular materials from a tanker designed to carry oil. The tanker includes pressurized holds for oil and a blower system coupled to the pressurized holds. The pressurized nature of the holds and the blower system already existing on, or added to, the ship are utilized to unload granular materials from the holds. In one embodiment, two concentric pipes extend through one or more Butterworth openings in the top of each hold. The outer pipe has several openings in it near the top of the hold. When the ship blower system is turned on, air is pumped into the hold, through the openings in the outer pipe, down the outer pipe to a discharge end near the bottom of the hold, into the granular material which it entrains, and then up the inner concentric pipe out of the pressurized hold. In another embodiment, air is pumped down one leg of a U shaped pipe to the bottom where granular material is entrained by the air, and is pumped up the second leg of the pipe and out of the hold.

Abstract: A system designed to periodically obtain a precise measure of the impact of all factors which may be degrading a ship's operational performance. A complete trial of a ship consists of several test runs of the ship in opposite directions during which the propulsion plant shaft horsepower is maintained steady. If the net drift during the relatively short period of the trial is constant then test runs in opposite directions cancel the effects of current and wind on that trial. By combining the results of runs on reciprocal headings, ship speed through the water is obtained to builder trial accuracy. During a run, the system acquires data from the ship's gyrocompass, a torsionmeter which is mounted on the propeller shaft, a fuel flow meter, a fuel line thermocouple and the ship's Loran receivers. The system processes time difference readings from the Loran receivers to obtain ground speed.

Abstract: A pneumatic system for removing granular material, such as wheat, from a nonpressurized vessel such as a barge. Gas from a blower system is supplied to a plenum chamber mounted on top of two concentric pipes which extend down into the vessel. The gas flows down the outer pipe and is discharged into the granular material, thereby entraining it. The air and entrained material mixture then flow up the inner concentric pipe and out of the vessel. A rotary valve mounted on a chamber at the bottom of the concentric pipes allows granular material to flow into the chamber, but isolates the high pressure in the chamber from surrounding granular material.

Abstract: On a ship, a folding structure serves a dual function of a stern door in its folded position and a ramp in its unfolded position. The first and second decks of the ship have internal ramps which angularly swing up and down to accommodate different heights of the ship relative to the pier. The folding structure may be coupled to the internal ramp on either deck. The capability of coupling the folding structure ramp to either movable internal ramp allows the ship to be loaded or unloaded over wide variations of tide and draft.

Abstract: Apparatus for a marine facility prevents silt from entering the facility and also provides spill containment. A floating barrier provides the containment and a flexible curtain attached to the barrier and having devices anchoring the curtain to the floor of the water prevents silt from entering the facility. The barrier rises and falls with the tides and openings in the curtain permits the tidal flow to enter and leave the facility. The apparatus is attached to fixed structure in a suitable manner. The barrier and curtain can be moved to permit passage of a ship.

Abstract: A system for coupling a loading ramp to a ship which allows a substantial amount of movement of the ship relative to the pier. The end of the loading ramp secured to the ship includes a lever arm coupled to each side of the ramp. Each lever arm includes a foot structure at one end which rests directly on the deck of the ship. The other end of each lever arm hangs via a cable from overhead support structure on the ship.