Abstract: A suction cup mounted holder is provided for waterborne watercraft which may be easily attached and detached to the exterior hull surface both above and below the waterline, and without penetrating or permanently disfiguring the exterior hull surface. The holder is especially useful in securing a swimmer or diver in the water during cleaning and maintaining the exterior hull surface. This may be accomplished while the watercraft is waterborne and without the expense and inconvenience of drydocking or otherwise removing the watercraft to dry land. A waterborne watercraft is also disclosed which has the holder of the invention releasably attached thereto to thereby allow the exterior hull surface to be cleaned and maintained by swimmers and/or divers. In a further aspect, a novel method is disclosed for cleaning and maintaining the exterior hull surface of a waterborne watercraft by swimmers and/or divers.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for treating, primarily cleaning, underwater surfaces of fixed or floating constructions for example, ships' hulls. In the method according to the invention, the treatment or cleaning device, which is rotatably driven by a motor, is wholly or partially insulated from the surrounding water by a medium which is fed to the vicinity of the device. The apparatus according to the invention includes a channel and a connection for supplying the insulating medium in the vicinity of the cleaning device.

Abstract: A surface processing apparatus for painting or otherwise treating variously contoured surfaces. A track includes an elongated pliant beam to which a bending apparatus is attached for the purpose of conforming it to the contour of the surface to be processed. A carriage is mounted on the track for movement along the length thereof and in turn mounts a surface processing tool. The tool is operable to process a strip of the surface adjacent the track. Apparatus is provided for moving the track incrementally along the surface, processing strips sequentially until the entire surface has been processed.

Abstract: An antifouling coating with method of use and method of application on marine structures in the form of a film containing piezoelectric polymer material, which, when electrically activated vibrates at a selected frequency to present a surface interfacing with water which is inhospitable for attachment of vegetable and animal life including free-swimming organisms thereby discouraging their attachment and their subsequent growth thereon to the macrofoulant adult stage.

Abstract: Equipment for cleaning hulls of ships and like surfaces, including a vehicle carrying an articulated boom structure comprising one or more booms connected to the vehicle and rotatable about a turntable thereon, and elevatable relative thereto, the outermost end of the boom structure carrying a frame or the housing which contains a nozzle or like for cleaning or applying coatings to the surface to be treated, the frame or housing including rollers for running along the that surface in contact therewith and the turntable drive being capable of being so rotationally biased that the rollers are positively maintained in engagement with the surface being cleaned.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for facilitating working on especially horizontal underwater portions of ship hulls, pontoons and other floating objects. The novel feature resides in that the apparatus comprises a screen structure adapted to be tightly fitted along the edges of the surface on which operations are to be carried out, and projecting downwardly from the surface, the screen structure being sealed against the surface and laterally, but perforated or open downwardly, and a pipe for introducing air with a pressure adapted to the water pressure prevailing at the actual depth, into the space within the screen structure in order to provide an air volume serving as a work-space, under the surface.

Abstract: An underwater air pocket work unit has a work chamber contained within a double walled flotation chamber, the upper end of which has a resilient gasket to seal against the hull of a vessel, or other submerged structure. The work chamber is open completely through the structure to provide unobstructed access at both ends and the flotation chamber is open at the lower end. Valves are provided for admitting pressurized air to the flotation chamber to control the buoyancy for holding the structure in place, and for admitting air to the work chamber as necessary for working space. Both chambers have dump valves for releasing the air and the work chamber has window ports for holding work lights.

Abstract: An antifouling coating for marine structures in the form of a film containing piezoelectric polymer material, which, when electrically activated vibrates at a selected frequency to present a surface interfacing with water which is inhospitable for attachment of vegetable and animal life including free-swimming organisms thereby discouraging their attachment and their subsequent growth thereon to the macrofoulant adult stage.

Abstract: A selectively floatable protective shroud is disclosed for protecting a boat hull from fouling by marine organisms. The assembly consists of an inflatable, elongated toroidal bladder with an inner opening larger than the circumference of the hull of the boat at its water line. The bladder has an inflation nozzle which is connected to a gas pump, for controllably inflating the bladder. A continuous, flexible, water impervious shroud has a circumferential edge mounted about the circumference of the toroidal bladder for protecting the boat hull, when deployed about the boat. By controllably inflating the bladder, the shroud is selectively brought from a submerged position beneath the boat to a deployed position enveloping the hull of the boat so as to protect the hull from fouling by marine organisms. A water pump is disclosed being connected to a water drain nozzle mounted on the flexible shroud, for controllably pumping out sea water from the region between the flexible shroud and the boat hull.

Abstract: A selectively floatable protective shroud is disclosed for protecting a boat hull from fouling by marine organisms. The assembly consists of an inflatable, elongated toroidal bladder with an inner opening larger than the circumference of the hull of the boat at its water line. The bladder has an inflation nozzle which is connected to a gas pump, for controllably inflating the bladder. A continuous, flexible, water impervious shroud has a circumferential edge mounted about the circumference of the toroidal bladder for protecting the boat hull, when deployed about the boat. By controllably inflating the bladder, the shroud is selectively brought from a submerged position beneath the boat to a deployed position enveloping the hull of the boat so as to protect the hull from fouling by marine organisms. A water pump is disclosed being connected to a water drain nozzle mounted on the flexible shroud, for controllably pumping out sea water from the region between the flexible shroud and the boat hull.

Abstract: A selectively floatable protective shroud is disclosed for protecting a boat hull from fouling by marine organisms. The assembly consists of an inflatable, elongated toroidal bladder with an inner opening larger than the circumference of the hull of the boat at its water line. The bladder has an inflation nozzle which is connected to a gas pump, for controllably inflating the bladder. A continuous, flexible, water impervious shroud has a circumferential edge mounted about the circumference of the toroidal bladder for protecting the boat hull, when deployed about the boat. By controllably inflating the bladder, the shroud is selectively brought from a submerged position beneath the boat to a deployed position enveloping the hull of the boat so as to protect the hull from fouling by marine organisms. A water pump is disclosed being connected to a water drain nozzle mounted on the flexible shroud, for controllably pumping out sea water from the region between the flexible shroud and the boat hull.

Abstract: A selectively floatable protective shroud is disclosed for protecting a boat hull from fouling by marine organisms. The assembly consists of an inflatable, elongated toroidal bladder with an inner opening larger than the circumference of the hull of the boat at its water line. The bladder has an inflation nozzle which is connected to a gas pump, for controllably inflating the bladder. A continuous, flexible, water impervious shroud has a circumferential edge mounted about the circumference of the toroidal bladder for protecting the boat hull, when deployed about the boat. By controllably inflating the bladder, the shroud is selectively brought from a submerged position beneath the boat to a deployed position enveloping the hull of the boat so as to protect the hull from fouling by marine organisms. A water pump is disclosed being connected to a water drain nozzle mounted on the flexible shroud, for controllably pumping out sea water from the region between the flexible shroud and the boat hull.

Abstract: A selectively floatable protective shroud is disclosed for protecting a boat hull from fouling by marine organisms. The assembly consists of an inflatable, elongated toroidal bladder with an inner opening larger than the circumference of the hull of the boat at its water line. The bladder has an inflation nozzle which is connected to a gas pump, for controllably inflating the bladder. A continuous, flexible, water impervious shroud has a circumferential edge mounted about the circumference of the toroidal bladder for protecting the boat hull, when deployed about the boat. By controllably inflating the bladder, the shroud is selectively brought from a submerged position beneath the boat to a deployed position enveloping the hull of the boat so as to protect the hull from fouling by marine organisms. A water pump is disclosed being connected to a water drain nozzle mounted on the flexible shroud, for controllably pumping out sea water from the region between the flexible shroud and the boat hull.

Abstract: An assembly for cleaning ships' hulls of such marine growth as seaweed, shell etc. is disclosed. The assembly has a frame with rotating brushes, the frame being reciprocally pivotal over the hull in an arcuate direction by being connected to one end of an arm or the like. The other end of the arm is pivotally connected to a joint which forms a stationary point for the assembly.

Abstract: A method of automatic underwater painting over metal surfaces of ships and offshore constructions is disclosed, which broadly comprises the steps of freely running a painting machine along the metal surface, sealably attaching the machine onto the metal surface of a location as desired and thereby forming a painting chamber over the metal surface for painting, transferring the water within the painting chamber to a ballast tank of the machine, and while paint jetting nozzles of the machine being reciprocated within the painting chamber, jetting a paint to effect an even painting over a wide area of the metal surface. The painting machine, which is also disclosed, includes an improved maneuvering mechanism, improved buoyancy adjusting mechanism, improved waterproof electromagnet, nozzle driving mechanism and paint circulation system.

Abstract: A device for progressively cleaning the hull of a boat being moved forwardly along a prescribed path. The device includes a submersed stationary support frame. A hull cleaning framework is mounted to the support frame and is elevationally movable thereon between a partially submerged operative condition, and an above surface inoperative condition. A number of brush supporting arms are pivoted on the hull cleaner framework and extend along the path of a boat through the device at their outer ends. The arms are biased inwardly toward the path for yieldably urging the rotating brushes against the boat hull regardless of its configuration. The device will automatically adapt itself to a wide variety of power boat and sailboat hull shapes. Vertical brushes are provided to clean the downwardly projecting keels of sailboats. Transverse bottom, intermediate and side brushes are independently pivoted to accommodate sailboat hulls or many other forms of boat hulls.

Abstract: A selectively floatable protective shroud is disclosed for protecting a boat hull from fouling by marine organisms. The assembly consists of an inflatable, elongated toroidal bladder with an inner opening larger than the circumference of the hull of the boat at its water line. The bladder has an inflation nozzle which is connected to a gas pump, for controllably inflating the bladder. A continuous, flexible, water impervious shroud has a circumferential edge mounted about the circumference of the toroidal bladder for protecting the boat hull, when deployed about the boat. By controllably inflating the bladder, the shroud is selectively brought from a submerged position beneath the boat to a deployed position enveloping the hull of the boat so as to protect the hull from fouling by marine organisms. A water pump is disclosed being connected to a water drain nozzle mounted on the flexible shroud, for controllably pumping out sea water from the region between the flexible shroud and the boat hull.

Abstract: A boat washing apparatus having a stationary frame to which are pivoted a pair of carrier frames which journal rotary power driven brushes across which may be moved an elevated boat mounted on a mobile support.

Abstract: A linear milling machine adapted to be carried and controlled by a diver nts a hog mill cutter on a frame which itself is secured to the work preferably by a hold-down suction cup arrangement. A driven feed-screw advances the cutter relative to the work. Hydraulic motors drive the cutter and the feed screw as well as a pump used to establish the hold-down power. The suction motor and pump are mounted in a separate oil-filled and pressure-compensated casing. Another small and portable casing provides diver-controlled hydraulic flow regulation for the cutter motor, the feed screw drive and the suction pump motor. By controlling the drive speeds, cuts can be made utilizing only the suction grippers to firmly hold the frame to the work. At the end of each cut, the cutter is manually returned and the suction released to permit the frame to be quickly repositioned and secured for another continuation cut.

Abstract: An effective antifouling result with respect to marine creatures such as barnacles is achieved by energizing a piezofilm layer carried on the outside of a vessel to cause mechanical vibration of the layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning cargo or tanker holds of ships is provided having a central support axle extending from the hold floor to the ship deck and on which is a trolley assembly having adjustable spray nozzles which trolley can travel vertically, as well as, rotationally about the support axle.

Abstract: A punt floatable upon a water, so as to move alongside a ship, in order to paint a side thereof, the punt including a pair of cylindrical pontoons, supporting a frame, which, at each corner, includes upwardly telescoping posts carrying a platform on top, and the frame additionally including a machinery supported thereupon, for extending the telescoping posts.

Abstract: The wall blaster of this invention comprises a plurality of sand injection nozzles so disposed as to be directed toward an opening of a blaster housing at the front surface facing opposite to a hull surface of a vessel to be treated for injecting working sand toward the hull surface, a working sand collecting chamber provided at the lower portion of the blaster housing for collecting the working sand injected from the injection nozzles and reflected from the hull surface to be treated, a plurality of compressed air injection tubes so disposed in the vicinity of the bases of the respective injection nozzles as to direct the head of the tube toward the base of the nozzle and also to open one end of a sand hose communicating with the collecting chamber in the vicinity thereof for taking up the sand in the collecting chamber by means of an ejector action of high speed jet air flow injected therefrom and for injecting again the sand from the injection nozzles to circulate the sand in the housing, upper and lower w

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for breaking up a large construction such as a large ship, and comprises a transporter movable in straddling relation to a construction to be broken up, a frame body supported by said transporter and movable in vertical direction, a circulating rail mounted on said frame body, a rail mounted independently in the beam direction of the transporter on said frame, a suspension transporting device movable on said circulating rail and a device having a cutter means movable on said independently mounted rail.Said cutter is also constructed such that an operation room is provided at the forward end of an arm, which is movable three-dimensionally, through a rotary device, and on said operation room a guide rail is projected and said guide rail is supported for up and down rocking motion and rotary motion around a fulcrum located near the operation room and in turn a cutter is movably supported on said guide rail.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an automotive tractor unit, more particularly for riding and working on vertical walls and ceilings, of the type which consists mainly of a frame; of belt shaped progression elements or tracks which are appropriately driven and are provided with adhesion devices such as suction discs or magnets as well as with elements for attaching appropriate accessories or tools such as a spraying piston or suchlike to the tractor. The belts or tracks are fitted so as to hinge with respect to the frame and around shafts which extend in the longitudinal sense of the tractor.

Abstract: The growth of organisms on the surface of a substrate in contact with water is prevented, while simultaneously preventing corrosion of such substrates. This is accomplished by a method wherein technetium metal is imbedded in, or cast, electroplated or sputtered onto the substrate, or is otherwise included in the surface layer of the substrate being used on or under water.

Abstract: A bottom cleaning system and apparatus for cleaning submerged portions of hulls includes a cyclically movable brush for operating in cleaning relation to a submerged hull portion while carried submerged in cleaning relation to the hull by an elongate member. Controls for operating the brush are disposed at a position remote from the brush whereby (fluid) connections can extend between the brush and the controls to be operated from the latter. An inflatable diaphragm provides a variably buoyancy which moves the brush between raised and lowered positions into and out of cleaning relation to the hull by controls disposed to be operated at a position remote from the brush. The elongate member can be formed as first and second articulated members whereby the brush can be pivotally operated using articulated movements.

Abstract: A device capable of suction-adhering to a wall surface by the pressure of an ambient fluid, and of moving along the wall surface. The device includes a pressure receiver housing made of a rigid or semi-rigid material; a plurality of wheels or endless tracks secured to the housing so as to make contact with the wall surface; a partition connected to the housing and having a free end adapted to make contact with the wall surface, at least the free end being made of a relatively flexible material, the partition being adapted to define a substantially fluid-tight low pressure area together with the wall surface and the housing or together with the wall surface alone; and means for discharging a fluid from the low pressure area. The partition has a portion extending outwardly from the position at which it is connected to the housing, and by a relatively small force, at least its free end can be displaced toward and away from the wall surface with respect to the housing.

Abstract: Sea-growth is removed from submerged ship-hull surfaces by the utilization of an apparatus which comprises a net with a predetermined mesh design made from an explosive cord with predetermined charge and manufactured in a specific net pattern for obtaining sequential ignition in a predetermined direction.The method further includes the positioning of the net in a specific mode at a predetermined distance from the submerged hull surface and the initiation of the net at certain points at timed intervals thereby controlling the energy dissipation and the removal of the sea-growth in sections along the ship hull surfaces.

Abstract: A shot blasting apparatus rotatable about a caterpillar tractor has a rotor, fed recirculated shot via two screw conveyors, which hurls shot at the ships bottom at an angle optimal for collection and sorting of the reflected shot debris and dust. Shock absorbingly supported at the top of the blaster is a casing, magnetically held to the ship, which is slidably supported in a box so as to "float" weightlessly. A bag filter and fan, mounted on the tractor, extract dust and debris from the shot blaster.

Abstract: An underwater marine protection system for preventing or retarding marine growth on vessels, pilings and submerged structures, in which a boat slip, or the like, has a series of gas diffusers placed under water located to direct gas towards the bottom of a marine vessel. The gas diffusers are connected to an ozone source for directing ozone gas through the diffusers towards the bottom of a boat. Skirts or curtains are connected to the pilings in the boat slip to prevent the free flow of water into and out of the slip where the water has been treated. A special top extends across the slip and around a vessel therein to increase the effectiveness of the ozone. An alternate embodiment has the gas diffusers formed in the bottom of the boat or submarine structure.

Abstract: A cathodic protection system for metallic structures disposed in contact with marine brine includes a plurality of sacrificial marine anodes mechanically linked in a chain suspended above the brine with a portion of the chain immersed in the brine. The chain of anodes is electrically coupled to the structure, and means are provided for selectively releasing and retrieving the chain from storage to correspondingly increase or decrease the length of chain immersed in the brine.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for cleaning submerged surfaces. In the apparatus two rotary brushes are supported side-by-side by a frame and provided with drive mechanisms to rotate the brushes in opposite directions; the brushes are each provided with a handle such that in use by a diver the brushes may be independently pivoted relative to the frame in such manner that each brush may be inclined towards or away from each other, to control the cleaning action of the apparatus and the movement of the apparatus relative to the surface to be cleaned.The apparatus may also incorporate mechanisms for the application of paint to a submerged and cleaned surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying a coating to a submerged surface has a spreader for a coating on the surface to be coated in a progressive manner and during displacement of said spreader parallel to the surface. A given pressure is applied on the spreader to apply the same against the surface. The coating material is continuously supplied to the spreading means in such a way that the displacement of said spreading means forces the water from the surface and the simultaneous application to the surface of the coating.

Abstract: A device for cleaning the bottom of a boat or the like while the boat is afloat in the water comprising a pair of rods pivotally connected at corresponding end, a cleaning member pivotally connected to the end of one rod and an adjustable clamp for setting a desired angular position between the rods. Stabilizing members assist in aligning the cleaning member with the surface of the boat.

Abstract: A marine life growth inhibitor device is disclosed for inhibiting marine life on the outer surface of a submerged object such as a boat. The device includes a controller connected to a source of electrical power and a plurality of speakers electrically connected to the controller and attached at predetermined locations on the interior of the boat's hull, whereby vibrations may be transmitted through the hull. The controller may also include a transformer for reducing the voltage of the alternating current power source. Each of the plurality of speakers has a speaker diaphragm having a first and a second speaker diaphragm side. Each of the speakers is mounted in a speaker housing secured to the hull of the boat for enabling transfer of acoustical energy from both the first and second side of the speaker diaphragm to the boat hull to inhibit the growth of marine life on the exterior surface of the boat hull. The speakers are selected to produce acoustical vibration in the audible range.

Abstract: A device for cleaning materials attached to a vessel and a building structure below water level is provided which comprises a generally cylindrical outer shell and a central chamber arranged concentrically within the outer shell, the chamber having an impeller for discharging the attached materials together with water through a circular space between the outer wall of the chamber and the inner wall of the shell, and a cleaning device for removing the materials on the surface of the vessel and the structure. In operation of the impeller the device is absorbed and adhered onto a cleaning surface of the vessel and the building structure whereby cleaning operation can be effected without the device being pressed onto the cleaning surface.

Abstract: An assembly of components that may be used in combination with a salvage vessel to raise a sunken vessel that has a steel hull from the floor of the ocean or other body of water. The sunken vessel is loosened from the ocean floor by detonating explosive charges embedded in the ocean floor by remotely operated devices while the vessel itself is fastened to hoisting cables using explosive charges to drive rivets or bolts into prepared areas of the sunken hull. The sunken vessel is drawn up towards the water's surface while two elongate propeller driven containers of variable buoyancy with a support net therebetween are provided to aid in raising the sunken vessel to a position adjacent the salvage vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating a surface comprising a first frame adapted to be moved across the surface to be treated, a sliding frame mounted on and adapted to slide relatively to the first frame in a direction perpendicular to the surface to be treated, an adjustable frame mounted on and adapted to be adjusted relatively to the sliding frame in a direction perpendicular to the surface to be treated, a tool carrier mounted on the adjustable frame and means for maintaining the sliding frame at substantially a predetermined distance from the surface to be treated.

Abstract: In a marine vessel hull cleaning device wherein a floating platform has spaced ways between which a vessel to be cleaned passes lengthwise, at least one transom scrubbing brush is supported from the platform, arranged to move clear of the vessel when the vessel moves between the ways, to move into transom engaging position and to be held in engagement with the transom of the vessel. Preferably, the vessel is both held in a position to permit the transom scrubbing brush to engage it and is moved up and down relative to the transom scrubbing brush by bottom scrubbing brushes which rotate in such a way as to tend to move the vessel astern.

Abstract: A system for discouraging and inhibiting growth of the entire marine fouling community onto a ship hull while it is at rest in brackish or seawater. A pipe or pipes having nozzles distributed therealong, run the length of the keel. Fresh water is supplied to the pipe which flows out the nozzles and up along the hull to create and maintain a moving boundary layer of fresh water. Such movement also serves to inhibit fouling. An enclosure comprising segmented, over-lapping, opaque curtains hang down by weights, from the ship-deck. These curtains serve to prevent light from reaching the hull, and to protect the thin boundary layer of fresh water from the disruptive, mixing actions caused by the surrounding currents. Thus the marine fouling community, including tubeworms, barnacles, grass, and algae, may be inhibited from growing and adhering to the hull surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for scrubbing the hull of a boat comprising a pair of side frames spaced for a boat to be floated therebetween and a pair of generally horizontal power driven brushes extending transversely between the side frames. The brushes are pivotally secured together at their inner ends and are so mounted on the side frames that the position of the brushes is changeable as a boat floats over the brushes so that the brushes are maintained in scrubbing engagement with the bottom of the boat hull.

Abstract: A boat cleaning apparatus comprising framework for suspending a boat in the air, a frame having rotatable brushes positioned to clean a portion of the length of the sides and bottom of the boat, spray nozzles attached to the frame for directing an aqueous acid solution or steam against the boat, and wheels supporting the frame and enabling the frame to be moved along the length of the boat. The brushes rotate as the frame is moved along the length of the boat and thereby clean the full length of the sides and bottom of the boat.

Abstract: A movable apparatus adhering to the surface of a wall which is capable of moving continuously and smoothly on the hull of a ship or the wall of a modern architectural structure such as a sky-scraper without the danger of falling.

Abstract: A method for the prevention of fouling by marine growth as well as corrosion on underwater and water-floated objects is disclosed. Technetium metal imbedded in, or cast, electroplated or sputtered onto a metallic substrate, or included in the surface layer of the material is used on or under water in varying concentration levels. The growth of marine organisms on the surface of the material so treated is prevented, while simultaneously preventing corrosion of such substrates.

Abstract: A boat hull cleaning apparatus having a plurality of uniquely designed brushing units is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plurality of brushing devices each device being disposed in an associated housing. The brushing device comprises a rotatable base member having an axis of rotation, and a plurality of cleaning bristles extending outwardly from the base member. The bristles are disposed on the base member so as to be substantially parallel to the axis of rotation. A motor is disposed in the housing having a rotatable shaft. The brushing device is disposed at one end of the shaft and a propeller is disposed at the other end of the shaft. Rotation of the shaft causes (i) the propeller to drive the housing toward the boat hull; and (ii) the base member to rotate about its axis. The boat hull cleaning apparatus of the present invention has particular utility in thoroughly cleaning various shaped boat hulls and removing tenacious growths therefrom.

Abstract: In a marine vessel bottom cleaning device wherein a floating platform has spaced ways between which a vessel to be cleaned passes lengthwise and scrubbing devices are supported on the platform, at least two, elongate scrubbing devices, spaced from one another lengthwise of the ways, extending in a direction generally athwart the ways and toward one another, and in at least one position overlapping one another across the lengthwise path of the vessel, the scrubbing devices being selectively movable relative to one another from the position at which they overlap one another along the lengthwise path of the vessel in a direction outboard of the vessel and away from one another. The entire scrubbing device can be raised and lowered with respect to the platform.

Abstract: A device for cleaning surfaces which extend in a vertical plane and particularly ship's sides, tank walls and similar surfaces which are made of ferromagnetic material, comprises a lifting mechanism which has roller means permitting it to run along a ship's railing or similar structure adjacent the top of the surface to be cleaned. The lifting mechanism includes one or more winding drums or hoists which carry support line means which extend from the lifting mechanism to a carrier for a cleaning apparatus. The cleaning apparatus advantageously includes a housing having an undercarriage which is movable along the surface to be cleaned and which includes magnetic means for causing an attraction between the carrier and the surface to be cleaned so that the carrier is held thereagainst during the cleaning operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatizing flaw detection comprising carrier bodies arranged in parallel, on sides (Y-) and (Y,+), taps capable of supporting the both bodies and extensible from and retractable into the bodies, clamp shafts having downwardly tapered heads and vertically movably inserted in hollow shafts of the taps, and collet claws disposed around the portions of the clamp shafts near their heads, with expansion bands fitted around the claws for centripetally fastening them together, the carrier body on the (Y-) side being slidably supported by X-direction guide rods and the carrier body on the (Y,+) side by the X-direction guide rods and Y-direction guide rods.

Abstract: The hull of a marine vessel is protected from fouling by marine growths by a foil of anti-fouling metal such as copper or a copper alloy adhesively bonded throughout its area to the hull below the water line. The foil is conveniently applied to the hull by pressure sensitive or heat sensitive adhesive.