Abstract: A building panel (1) is made from a laminate of polystyrene (EPS) (A) as a core material to provide rigidity and flexible sheet materials (B) preferably including kraft paper. Multiple layers of the core material (A) and kraft paper (B) can be used to provide a panel which is lightweight, waterproof, has good impact resistance and insulation properties and is easily worked with conventional tools. The panels are formed using a sheet laminating process and fire retardant adhesives improve the fire rating.

Abstract: A steering-house for a vessel is described, in which all instruments, displays, etc. to be read visually, are concentrated left and right of the main radar screen in an instrument or reading unit placed under the steering-house ceiling in front of the skipper. The unit is visible by the seated skipper at an angle between 15.degree. and 30.degree. upward from his horizontal plane of vision, permitting an unobstructed view roundabout. The instrument unit may be movably supported to lower it unto or below the horizontal plane of vision. The controls to be adjusted by hand (or by feet) are concentrated in floormounted consoles to the left and right of the skipper and are within handreach.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of a pusher tug and one or more barge units, whereby each barge unit may comprise one or more barges coupled alongside each other. Between the barge units and/or between the rear-unit and the pusher tug, pivotable pushing connections are installed giving the combination an articulated character. Each of the pivotable pushing connections is only mounted to one of the units or to the pusher tug and is coupled to the opposite unit with usual connections, such as steel wires. The pivotable pushing connections are robust and easy to handle by the normal deck crew. Application of the pivotable and steerable pushing connections increases the safety of pushing traffic on waterways and allows more units per combination.

Abstract: New construction for liftable steering house or control cabin on board a sailing vessel or floating body, in which the house or cabin is carried by at least one arm. Said arm is pivotally connected to the deck or deck housing or structure of the vessel and--with its other end--to the house or cabin, enabling it to be swingingly lifted from a low position up to a maximum position, and vice versa, to give a better unobstructed view for the skipper and freedom on deck. The lifting mechanism may shift the house or cabin sideways as well, keeping it continuously parallel to itself.