Abstract: A submerged, valve assembly for controlling flow of fluid (e.g. ballast water) to and from a reservoir (e.g. a ballast tank of a ship. The valve assembly is comprised of a valve which is controlled by a hydraulic valve actuator. A fluid-tight housing encloses the actuator so that any leaking hydraulic fluid will be contained within the housing and will not pollute the surrounding fluid in the tank. The assembly includes a means for detecting any hydraulic fluid which may leak into the housing.

Abstract: Plastic and similar shreddable materials are reduced to small particles and pneumatically conveyed to the combustion space of a marine boiler for inceneration to dispose of such materials aboard ship. A granulator apparatus reduces the material to particulates having a maximum particle size of about 0.50 inches for conveyance by the pneumatic conveyor through a conduit which has penetrated a boiler wall in the vicinity of the combustion space.

Abstract: An actuator for a liquid level sensing switch, particularly useful for testing level sensing switches on storage tanks and tanker cargo tanks. The actuator includes an elongated rod which is slidably supported on and extends through a two part body which may be supported on a flange or a deck portion above the tank. An elongated flexible cable interconnects the rod with a float member of the level sensing switch whereby the actuator rod may be pulled upward to effect movement of the float while, in the normal non-activated position of the actuator, the float may move freely between its limit positions for sensing liquid level in the tank.