Abstract: The disclosure relates to an enclosure for weaponry, listening, identifying, recording, communications equipment or the like for use in or on the seabed. The enclosure comprises an outer cylindrical container (10) having a buoyancy chamber (34) to render one end (11) of the container more buoyant than the other (12) so that the container lies in a vertical orientation when disposed in the sea. At the other end (12) of the container there are propeller/impellors (28) for activating sand/silt/shingle on the seabed to create a cavity below the container into which the container can self bury. A container has a payload compartment (32) for holding weaponry, listening, recording and/communications equipment.

Abstract: An underwater weapon system comprises an elongate outer container which is buried or partially buried in the sea bed in an upright position using devices at the bottom end of the container and which preferably comprise both a pump for removing sand or silt and an auger for boring a hole in the sea bed or a rotary stirrer. The weapon is a self-propelled device with guidance and is housed within an inner container which is telescopically arranged within the outer container.

Abstract: An underwater weapon system comprises an elongate outer container which is positioned horizontally on the sea bed and which has powered screws or scroll devices extending along its underside to displace sand or silt and so bury or partially bury the container in the sea bed. The weapon is self-propelled and is activated after raising and ejecting or partially ejecting an inner container to lift the weapon.

Abstract: An underwater weapon system comprises a container for a self-propelled weapon with target homing means, the container including pumps having inlets on the underside of the container to pump silt, gravel etc, from underneath the container whereby the container can be buried or partially buried in the sea bed. Reverse operation of the pumps raises the container which is opened automatically, e.g. with a radio control system, to release the weapon when the weapon is to be used.

Abstract: A container of the kind having a rigid base to which a flexible cover is sealed by means of an inflatable sealing tube is formed with a rigid support plate as part of the base, the support plate being carried on a support member having an upwardly-extending pressure wall surrounding and facing inwardly towards the edge of the plate. The pressure wall extends upwardly from below the level of the edge of the plate to above that level and the sealing tube is located between the edge of the plate and the pressure wall so that when the tube is inflated the edge of the plate forms a localized pressure region along the length of the tube.

Abstract: For transporting palletized loads in a container, such as a standard shipping container, a pallet securing kit is provided comprising flanged members which are held against two side walls of the container by an end spreader bar and are held down on the base of the container by adjustable struts so that a loaded pallet or pallets may be slid along the floor with its peripheral edges retained under flanges on said flanged members, the pallets being secured by a closure member fitted between the flanged members to hold the pallet or pallets in position.

Abstract: In a container for a vehicle or other goods comprising an impermeable base, an impermeable cover and means for sealing the cover to the base, so that, by evacuation of air from the region within the cover, the latter is drawn down onto the vehicle or other goods on the base, provision is made for obtaining access to the vehicle or other goods without removing the cover. For this purpose the cover has an opening which is sealed by means of an inflatable tube forcing the lips of the opening tightly together. Inflatable tubes lift and support the cover when access is required.

Abstract: In a container of the kind having a rigid impermeable base and a flexible impermeable cover which is sealed to the base, and in which air is evacuated from the region between the cover and the base so that the cover is drawn down onto goods on the base, there is provided a bellows-type vacuum sensor which senses the air pressure in the container and which operates switch contacts controlling a pump. When the container is used in an aircraft, where the ambient pressure inside the aircraft falls considerably when the aircraft is at high altitudes, the pump is actuated to ensure that the pressure in the container is maintained below the ambient pressure in the aircraft. An excess pressure difference, which might overload shock absorbing mounts for goods on the container base, is prevented by the bellows opening relief air ports.

Abstract: In a container of the kind having an impermeable base and a flexible cover which is sealed into a groove or slot in the base to form an airtight package, the cover has, around its periphery, an endless male member for engaging in the slot or groove, e.g. an endless inflatable tube, which is resiliently gripped in the slot or groove.

Abstract: A container of the kind having a cover, preferably an impermeable flexible cover, sealed to a base, an improved seal is provided comprising an endless slot or groove in the base into which the periphery of the cover fits adjacent a removable tube holder of resilient material carrying one or more inflatable sealing tubes, each extending around the slot or groove adjacent the cover. Each sealing tube, when inflated, protrudes out of an aperture in the holder to seal against the cover and, if the cover is flexible, to force it into sealing engagement with a wall of the slot or groove. The holder serves to locate the tubes, thereby enabling two or more tubes to be located at different depths in the slot or groove.

Abstract: A sealed container for storing a wheeled vehicle has roller supports for the wheels of the vehicle and drive means, e.g. an electric drive, for at least one of the roller supports, the drive means being controlled from outside the container whereby the supported wheel or wheels of the vehicle may be rotated without unsealing the container and removing the vehicle. If the vehicle is left in gear, the engine and vehicle transmission system, together with all the wheels, can be exercised using only one rotatably driven wheel support. Provision is made also for exercising the vehicle suspension by raising and lowering the wheels.