Abstract: A bridge module for a modular bridge comprises a central deck structure (10), to the lateral edges of which are pivoted first and second main girder structures (12,14). These main girder structures can be pivoted from a use position, in which they define lateral deck surfaces (20,22) (which can carry a military vehicle such as a tank) to a storage position in which they are folded beneath the central deck structure (10). In the storage position, the main girder structures intermesh, one with the other, so enabling the bridge module to be packed for transport into a standard ISO container.

Abstract: A folding bridge comprising the two sections (27 and 28) hinged together about a hinge pin (43). The hinge being arranged such that when the bridge is folded together for transportation the sections (27 and 28) at least partially nest inside one another in order to reduce the overall height of the folded bridge. The invention also provides a folding bridge in combination with a vehicle for launching and recovering the bridge.

Abstract: A bridge span consisting of a series of end-to-end engageable bridge modules can be launched across a gap from a launch vehicle with the aid of an overhead launch rail consisting of a series of end-to-end engageable launch rail modules, the rail having been previously cantilevered out across the gap from the vehicle. The launch rail carries a cable-driven trolley beneath which the leading end of the bridge span is slung, after the leading end of the rail has been located upon the far bank, and the span then winched out so as to bridge the gap.

Abstract: A method of constructing a modular bridge across a span comprises at least a first trestle on the home bank of the span, placing a first module of a modular launching rail on the trestle, connecting one or more subsequent launching rail modules to the launching rail being formed, placing a first bridge module on the launching rail, connecting one or more subsequent bridge modules to the bridge being formed, booming out the launching rail across the span and launching the bridge across the span along the launching rail. A trestle for use in such a method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of deploying a modular bridge across a span having a home bank and a far bank wherein a plurality of modular bridge sections are utilized includes providing a launching vehicle with a support for bridge launching. The method employs the steps of booming out a launching rail from the vehicle until the launching rail reaches the far bank and thereafter placing the modular bridge sections on the launching rail in order to form the bridge.

Abstract: A bridge module comprises two longitudinal main girder structures and a central deck having a deck surface, said main girder structures being foldably connected are along each side of said central deck and being foldable between an operative position in which said main girder structures offer extensions of said deck surface on either side of said central deck for use and a closed position in which said main girder structures are folded beneath said deck.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering mechanism for a water-jet propelled craft having a rotatable propulsion nozzle. The mechanism comprises a fine steering control and a coarse reversal control. The controls rotate the nozzle via a differential gearbox consisting of four meshed bevel gears rotatable in bearings within a gear cage. The steering control is operative to rotate a gearbox input shaft via a worm and pinion reduction gear, and the reversal control is operative to rotate the cage. The nozzle is connected to a gearbox output shaft. The reduction gear inhibits torque feedback from the reversal control to the steering control and torque feedback from the steering control to the reversal control is inhibited by hydraulic ram actuation of the reversal control.

Abstract: A hand-grip tool for cutting, crimping, swaging or gripping is disclosed, having a multi-stroke action provided by a ratchet and pawl operating arrangement whereby sufficient mechanical advantage to permit one-handed performance of heavy duty tasks can be achieved.