Abstract: A clamp intended for the end-to-end welding of two tubes disposed in accordance with an axis (3) by an electrode (14) operating in a circular movement (18) includes two collars (1, 2), mounted pivotably around the axis (3), put into rotation by gears (7, 8, 10, 11). On one collar (1) a swinging element (13) is pivotably mounted and used to support the welding electrode (14). A cam (16) is provided on the other collar (2), which cooperates with an integral element (15) of the swinging element (13). The two collars are put in motion by two distinct motors which are connected with regulation and control devices which permit a change of the rotation speed of at least one of the collars in such a way that the distance between the electrode (14) and the axis (3) is changed. In this way the height of the arc is controlled.

Abstract: A low bulk curtain is provided for the closure of passages, comprising a succession of high inertia elements each formed by a wide central web and a reinforcement flange, and hinged together by hinges. The curtain opens out under the effect of gravity for closing the passage and, in its raised position obtained by a chain and drum device, its interfitting elements only occupy a minimum space. Means are provided for ensuring sealing between the curtain elements as well as laterally and with the ceiling.

Abstract: A closure device is provided, particularly suitable for container carrying ships, including a plurality of independent hatchway panels, each panel having lengthwise and widthwise the dimensions of a container, each group of four vertical slides providing guiding and securing of the containers at their corners extending above the deck of the ship and the panel being applied sealingly and independently against the periphery of an opening surrounding said group of slides and against the internal face of the slide. In order to have access to a container stacked along the slides inside the hold, it is sufficient to remove the containers stacked above the panel, then this panel itself using the same handling device as for the containers.

Abstract: One element of the hatchway panel is hinged to the hatch coaming through a link and is connected to the piston rod of a hydraulic actuator of which the cylinder foot portion comprises a transverse pin adapted to slide within an elongate hole provided in a fixed support. On this fixed support is pivoted a locking hook adapted to co-act with a lateral stop of the panel for locking the panel in its closed position. When the hydraulic actuator is actuated for opening the panel, the foot portion of the actuator cylinder first engages a heel portion of the locking hook and causes this hook to pivot for automatically unlocking the panel.