Abstract: A method for repairing a leak caused by a hole (3) at the bottom of a container (I) with liquid contents (2), comprising a reversible sealing of the leak in which: —a sealing mixture (5) is poured into the liquid contents in the vicinity of the hole, the sealing mixture (5) comprising a sealing product (7) and solid fillers (8) mixed into the sealing product (7), the sealing product (7) having a density greater than those of the liquid contents and the fillers, and the capability to solidify within the liquid contents (2), —the sealing mixture (5) spreads over the bottom (4) of the container (I) and reaches the hole (3), —fillers (8) filling the hole (3) and enabling the sealing product (7) to solidify over the hole, forming a peelable sealing layer that can then be removed after the container is emptied, before the leak is ultimately repaired.

Abstract: A computer-controlled motorized pump system is provided. A generator is mechanically connected to a power takeoff. A first controller receives AC power from the generator and converts the AC power to DC power and provides DC power to a computing system that has one or more processors and one or more computer-readable hardware storage media and a user interface. A second controller is directly coupled to the first controller and provides AC power to a motor. The motor is mechanically connected to a pump, and the motor is in communication with, or controlled by, the computing system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hull device designed to be reversibly attached to an outer surface of a ferromagnetic structure of a marine or submarine system or vessel. The device includes at least one attachment surface suitable for attaching the device to the structure, and a plurality of permanent magnets arranged in the vicinity of the attachment surface in order to attach the device to the structure.

Abstract: A nonlimiting example of a yacht preserver includes a handle, an inflator device connected to an upper end of the handle and an inflatable bladder connected to a lower end of the handle. In this nonlimiting example, the inflator device includes a gas canister that is connected to the inflatable bladder by a tube and is configured to deliver gas to inflate the bladder upon activation. The yacht preserver may be used to seal an opening of a yacht by placing the uninflated bladder near the opening in the yacht and activating the inflator device allowing the bladder to expand to seal the opening.

Abstract: An onboard system for winterizing vessels includes an antifreeze storage system. The onboard system includes a control system capable of determining one or more of the one or more system components to be winterized, an antifreeze storage system, and one or more pumps capable of pumping antifreeze from the antifreeze storage system. The antifreeze flows through the determined one or more system components to be winterized.

Abstract: A magnetic patch system includes a sealing member configured for attachment to a pipeline proximate to a breach in a wall of the pipeline. A magnet is positioned at least partially within a housing arrangement. The magnet may be oriented to generate a force toward the wall of the pipeline to attach the housing arrangement to the wall of the pipeline and capture the sealing member between the housing arrangement and the wall of the pipeline. The system may be installed inside a pipeline using a remotely controlled robotic system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reinforcing physical structures with composite reinforcement systems are disclosed herein. According to aspects of the present disclosure, a composite reinforcement system includes a carrier formed of a plurality of fibers and a blend of at least two reagents impregnated within the carrier. The at least two reagents are chemically configured to react to form a moisture-curable prepolymer. One reagent of the at least two reagents is an isocyanate, and another reagent of the at least two reagents is an aromatic-group-containing polyol.

Abstract: A nonlimiting example of a yacht preserver includes a handle, a container at an end of the handle, and an inflator device connected to an inflatable bladder. In this nonlimiting example, the inflator device includes a gas canister that is configured to deliver gas to inflate the bladder upon activation. The yacht preserver may be used to seal an opening of a yacht by placing the uninflated bladder near the opening in the yacht and activating the inflator device allowing the bladder to expand to seal the opening.

Abstract: A backing device useful in repairing a hole. In some embodiments, the hole is in a wall, for example a relatively large hole in a wall (e.g., vertical wall, ceiling, etc.) of, for example, a home or building structure. The backing device includes a collapsible backing member and adhesive strips. The backing member defines a front face opposite a rear face, and includes first and second panels connected at a hinge segment. The adhesive strips are disposed on the front face. The backing member is foldable from a flat state to a collapsed state for insertion through the wall hole. Once deployed “behind” the wall, the backing member is transitioned to the flat state, and the adhesive strips utilized to secure the backing device to a back surface of the wall. In some embodiments, the backing device, while in the flat state, is relatively rigid in one direction and collapsible in the opposite direction.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide surface compositions and methods for durable and/or load-bearing surfaces in a variety of industrial, animal, and marine applications. Compositions and methods may comprise utilizing a liquid binder, catalyst, primer, and/or antimicrobial composition to provide durable, waterproof, and/or long-lasting surface compositions to dispose within the roadway voids and/or to create a durable, sanitary surface. The surface compositions may cure rapidly through an internal exothermic reaction process to form the repair and/or the safety flooring. The surface composition may be substantially impermeable to animal waste and resistant to harboring agents of disease. In some embodiments, a filler materials may be disposed within the liquid binders to provide elasticity, compression, slip resistance, heat transfer, reduced cure time, and/or a desired surface texture to the surface composition.

Abstract: A backing device useful in repairing a hole. In some embodiments, the hole is in a wall, for example a relatively large hole in a wall (e.g., vertical wall, ceiling, etc.) of, for example, a home or building structure. The backing device includes a collapsible backing member and adhesive strips. The backing member defines a front face opposite a rear face, and includes first and second panels connected at a hinge segment. The adhesive strips are disposed on the front face. The backing member is foldable from a flat state to a collapsed state for insertion through the wall hole. Once deployed “behind” the wall, the backing member is transitioned to the flat state, and the adhesive strips utilized to secure the backing device to a back surface of the wall. In some embodiments, the backing device, while in the flat state, is relatively rigid in one direction and collapsible in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus with self-sealing properties that is used for installing solar modules and other types of equipment and material by attaching it through roofing or other exterior or interior surfaces is disclosed. The mounting apparatus uses a bolt with a toggle to mount a body to the structural sheathing rather than bolting to a structural framing member. A nut is tightened on the bolt to secure the toggle on one side of the roofing or other exterior or interior surfaces while a plunger is simultaneously driven to dispose a sealant. Using the mounting apparatus eliminates the need for finding the centerline of a structural framing member and assures the quality and the integrity of the seal around the mounting apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a hole in a wall (4), the wall in use dividing a region of relative high pressure from a region of relative low pressure, the apparatus comprising an elongate stem (2) connected at one end to a sealing member (3) which extends substantially radially from the major axis of said stem in an extended state such that, in use, said relative high pressure acts to seal the sealing member in the extended state against the wall, wherein said sealing member is resiliently deformable from said extended state into a collapsed state in which the sealing member is folded towards the stem, and into an everted state in which the sealing means is folded away from the stem. Said sealing member may when in its extended state form a dome shape which acts to maintain an air gap around the hole.

Abstract: An emergency repair plug for sealing an opening in a boat hull, comprises a conical body made of a solid foam, spongy cellular material that is compressible by hand and able to return to its original shape. The conical body is compressible by hand to a smaller dimension so that a portion of the conical body larger than an opening to be plugged can be inserted into the opening. The conical body is able to return to its larger size after compression, thereby to be wedged in the opening to slow down water inflow through the opening.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for temporary plugging of holes in ship hulls. The device has a shaft with a spring-loaded rod disposed therein. At one end of the shaft is a cylinder housing a piston that is connected to the rod for movement within the cylinder. The cylinder has pivoting levers that are movable via the piston between a stowed position, in which the levers are parallel to the shaft, and a deployed position, in which the levers are perpendicular to the shaft. A seal is connected to the levers. A second cylinder is slidably disposed along the shaft, and has a plurality of guide arms connected thereto. In operation, the device is pressed into the hole so the levers and cylinder housing are outside the ship. The spring is activated causing the rod and piston to move, which deploys the levers and unfolds the seal. Inrushing water forces the levers and seal to engage the outside of the hull surrounding the opening, inhibiting further flooding.

Abstract: An anti-puncture, water-leak-inhibiting, self-sealing, coating structure for application selectively to inside and/or outside portions of a boat hull. The coating structure, in operative condition with respect to such a hull portion, includes a body of continuous-phase, non-water-reactive, high-elastomeric-material, and, embedded within that body, in an initially shrouded and non-exposed condition guarded nominally against any contact with external water, a distribution of water-reactive, water-imbiber beads.

Abstract: The spill curtailing tool has an elongated expandable frame; a first handle on a first end of the frame; a second handle mounted to an intermediate position along the frame, and a tube mounted to a second end of the elongated frame. The second end of the frame supporting the tube is telescopically movable toward and away from the first and second handles. A pair of pressurized instant-foam-producing tanks are mounted to the elongated telescoping frame between the first and second handles. The tanks are connected by hoses to the tube for delivering instant foam through the tube. A folded bladder is mounted over the tube for receiving instant foam therein. The tube is angularly movable relative to a plane of the elongated frame, such that it can be pointed in different directions relative to a plane of the elongated frame.

Abstract: An emergency repair plug for sealing an opening in a boat hull, comprises a conical body made of a solid foam, spongy cellular material that is compressible by hand and able to return to its original shape. The conical body is compressible by hand to a smaller dimension so that a portion of the conical body larger than an opening to be plugged can be inserted into the opening. The conical body is able to return to its larger size after compression, thereby to be wedged in the opening to slow down water inflow through the opening.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an irregular in shape thru-hull fitting with specifically an internal seacock which is below the normal waterline of a marine vessel and this invention provides an exterior plug to stop leakage and/or allow for maintenance of the interior hull valve, piping, and/or associated tubing without necessitating the need to haul out the vessel. The seacock plug includes a flexible tubing assembly; o-ring flange assembly, flexible beveled gasket, and compression lead screw with T-handle that forms a watertight seal around the irregular interior shape hull fitting.

Abstract: Systems and processes for closing openings in marine vessel hulls are provided. The systems and processes facilitate repairs and maintenance of marine vessels by closing openings in the marine vessel hulls to permit dry access to compartments in communication with the openings. The processes and systems incorporate a cover constructed from a lightweight material such as fiberglass, a viscoelastic material such as polyethylene or polyurethane, and blends thereof. The cover is guided in place to effectuate closure of the opening by a track device that receives at least two of the peripheral edges of the cover and directs the cover to the proper position to close the hull opening. The cover may be lowered into place by use of a hoisting device such as a davit.

Abstract: A self-repairing and unsinkable watercraft has the hull of the mid section of the craft covered by two moveable water impermeable sheaths. The sheaths rotate in opposite directions to temporarily seal a breach and to allow for better ease of permanent repair or replacement. In one preferred embodiment, the craft is fitted on each side with at least one pontoon-like sealed foam structure that is attached by moveable telescoping arms. Adjustment of the positions of these structures with arm movement provides for greater stability of the craft during various maneuvers, aids in keeping the craft upright, and adjusts for changes in buoyancy and lift as needed. When additional stability is wanted, the craft contains a layer of sealed foam beneath the main deck at or above the waterline and from one to three submerged cylinders that are opened or closed to the water at both ends as needed.

Abstract: A breach filling apparatus for plugging a hole in a wall that includes an air supply assembly, a converting assembly connected to the air supply assembly for converting air pressure to lineal movement, a component storage assembly for storing fluid components of a foaming material therein and expelling the components upon lineal movement by the converting assembly, and a plugging assembly for plugging a hole through a wall structure. The plugging assembly comprises an inflatable flexible bladder having an outer wall defining an interior space for receiving the fluid components and expanding in size from a collapsed condition to an expanded condition. The plugging assembly has a mixing tube in fluid communication with the storage assembly and extends into the interior space of the flexible bladder with a plurality of apertures for expelling the components into the interior space of the flexible bladder.

Abstract: A framework of magnet pods and beams or strongbacks can be quickly and easily assembled to plug a leak in a ferromagnetic container wall. The magnet pods are located on either side of the leak. One or more beams extend between the magnet pods. Each magnet pod has a yoke with plural holes therethrough. The yoke loosely receives the beam. Each beam has lines of holes therethrough all along the beam length. The plurality of holes in the yokes and beams simplifies the alignment of at least one set of holes between the yoke and beam, wherein a pin is inserted to couple the beam to the magnet pod. A clamp is pinned to the beam so as to be adjacent to the leak. The clamp is tightened to exert removable pressure on a patch over the leak.

Abstract: An inflatable plug within a fragile streamlined cover attached to a rigid lance tube is pushed through a leakage hole to plug it on an upstream end by being inflated with pressurized fluid conducted through the lance tube to rupture the fragile cover and position the plug against the wall sealingly covering the upstream end of the hole.

Abstract: A hole patching device including mechanism for covering an opening on an interior surface of a wall, the covering mechanism being formed of a generally rigid material and being at least two inches in diameter; mechanism for guiding the covering mechanism through the opening, which may include a slit cut from a center of the covering mechanism to an outer edge of the covering mechanism; mechanism for securing the covering mechanism to the interior surface of the wall to define a pocket; an insert for filling the pocket; and a hardenable material spread over the insert and pocket smoothable with the wall and a method of use.

Abstract: A new breach filling device for plugging a hole in a structure, such as, for example, a boat. The inventive device includes a container having a plurality of reservoirs therein for holding components of a foaming material in the reservoirs. A flexible inflatable bladder has an interior space. A conduit system is for fluidly connecting the reservoirs of the container with the interior space of the inflatable bladder. The conduit system is designed to convey the components of the foaming material separately between the container and the inflatable bladder. The conduit system is designed to discharge the components into the interior space of the bladder such that mixing of the components occurs in the interior space and the foaming material forms a foamed material in the interior space for inflating the inflatable bladder.

Abstract: Large bulk liquid cargo tankers are a common sight on the world's oceans and waterways. Petroleum needs worldwide have risen sharply and in order to fulfill those needs cheaply and efficiently, shipbuilders have increased the size of tankers carrying the crude oil to the point where the modern supertanker is capable of carrying millions of barrels of oil in a single trip. Such efficiency has not come without a price in that a single tank rupture can be an ecological and financial disaster. In order to minimize and even the eliminate such a disastrous event, an apparatus has been designed to be deployed inside a bulk liquid cargo tank. Should a tank be ruptured, a large expandable bladder pre-positioned within the tank would expand as oil from within the tank would pe pumped into its internal volume. The expandable bladder serves a dual purpose to act as a seal against the portion of the tank that has been ruptured eliminating the flow of oil out of the tank and seawater into the tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spillage protection system for a storage vessel in the event a breach of the hull occurs. The system comprises sheets of lath work panels extending from longitudinal and transverse supporting members of the vessel hull for forming sub-compartments therein. The sheets of lath work panels are comprised of a plurality of apertures therein for providing characteristics of strength and porosity to the structure. The system further comprises a distribution system extending through the hull of the vessel and into each of the sub-compartments. The distribution system originates at a reservoir which supplies a foamable cast-cure plastic material to the distribution system and effectively delivers the foamable cast-cure plastic material to a sub-compartment adjacent to an area of the hull experiencing the breach.

Abstract: A new breach filling device for plugging a hole in a structure, in particular, in a boat. The inventive device includes a container having a reservoir for holding a foaming material therein and a flexible inflatable bladder having an interior space. The interior space of the inflatable bladder is in fluid communication with the reservoir of the container to permit passage of foaming material from the reservoir of the container into interior space of the inflatable bladder. The foaming material forms a foamed material in the interior space of the inflatable bladder such that the foamed material inflates the inflatable bladder.

Abstract: A sealing system provides for plugging holes in a ferromagnetic tank structure. A tripod has variable length legs for placing on a curved or irregular surface of the tank structure. A permanent magnet assembly is attached to each one of the variable length legs for removably attaching the legs individually to the ferromagnetic tank structure. An actuator is mounted in the tripod for positioning over the hole for movement generally perpendicular to the tank structure in which the hole is located. A clamping plug is mounted on the actuator for insertion into and sealing the hole.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for sealing a rupture (11) in a wall (12) having fluid on one side, the rupture forming petals (13) extending away from the wall. The apparatus is formed by a resilient backing plate (18) for fitting around the rupture, fastening magnets (14) attached to backing plate (18) for attaching the backing plate (18) to the wall (12), a resilient seal, such as an O-ring (19), adjacent the backing plate (18) having an aperture for positioning over the rupture, and a fluid-tight enclosure (20) extending over the aperture in the seal to cover the rupture. The resilient seal (19) is compressed against the wall (12) to substantially seal against any flow of fluid leaking through the rupture when the backing plate (18) is attached to the wall (12).

Abstract: An open celled plastic foam treated with a polymer which is adsorbed in the surface of the foam and causes the polymer adsorbed foam to become an oil wick and to be impervious to water. The polymer adsorbed foam when the cells of the foam are saturated with oil exhibiting a density heavier than oil and lighter than water.

Abstract: A central shaft is arranged for positioning through an opening within a vessel hull, with the central shaft including first and second collars spaced to slidably mount a second collar, wherein a first collar is positioned in adjacency relative to a first end of the shaft, with the first collar having a plurality of positioning legs pivotally mounted to the first collar, and the positioning legs each including a link pivotally mounting each positioning leg to the second collar. A central mounting web includes a pneumatic chamber for effecting a fluid-tight sealing relationship against the hull, with the mounting web including the central shaft directed therethrough, having an externally threaded portion that threadedly receives a lock collar.

Abstract: A rigid patch body for placing over and around a damaged portion (hole) of the external wall of a pressurized vessel, such as a space vehicle or habitat. The rigid patch body allows a person such as an astronaut to make temporary repairs to the pressurized vessel from the exterior of the vessel to enable more permanent repairs to be made from the interior of the vessel. The pressure wall patch of the present invention includes a floor surrounded by four side members. Each side member includes a threaded screw for anchoring the patch body to the external wall of the pressurized vessel and a recess in its lower surface for supporting an inflatable bladder for surrounding the damaged portion (hole) of the external wall to seal the area surrounding the damaged portion to allow the vessel to be repressurized. The floor of the rigid patch body supports a source of gas in communication with a gas supply valve and a gas supply gauge in communication with the gas supply valve and the inflatable bladder.

Abstract: A mounting plate includes a pneumatic cylinder arranged in an annular continuous orientation to a first side of the mounting plate, with a pneumatic cylinder having clamping legs, with each clamping leg including a leg claw, and the clamping legs projecting coaxially of the pneumatic chamber, with pneumatic storage cylinders arranged to effect pivoting of the clamping legs to engage an interior surface of a ship's hull, with a further pneumatic storage cylinder arranged to inflate the pneumatic sealing chamber to effect sealing and secure engagement of exterior surface of a ship's hull about a ship hull opening to be repaired.

Abstract: An appliance for plugging a hole in a boat hull comprises a threaded stem (3), a tubular slide (4) sleeved upon the stem (3), a hub (5) fixed to a distal end of the stem (3), a proximal abutment flange (6) on the slide (4), a distal abutment flange (7) having a converging distal surface on the slide (4), a collar (8) slideable along the slide (4) between the abutment flanges, a plurality of ribs (10), each pivoted at one end to the collar (8) and able to radiate therefrom in the manner of wheel spokes, a like plurality of control arms (11) respectively pivoted at one end to the ribs (10) at a position intermediate the rib ends and pivoted at their other ends to the hub (5), and an impervious membrane (12) secured to the ribs (10) and filling the spaces therebetween when the ribs are radiating from the collar (8). Having been thrust through a hole in a boat hull the slide (4) may be moved outwardly to cause the ribs (10) to swing out and the membrane (12) to cover the hole.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a hole in a ship's hull including a plug having a plurality of longitudinally extending inflatable tubes having two ends, with the tubes arranged parallel and adjacent to each other. A plug delivery device is provided for placing the tubes partially through the hole in the hull. The tubes are independently inflated so that the tubes inflate and seal the hole.

Abstract: A skin, preferably a rip-stop material with a dehydrated material thereon, is rapidly deployed to surround an oil transportation ship spilling oil from a hole or breach in the hull. The skin is snugged up to the hull to allow the dehydrated material to absorb the spilling oil, and also preferably expanding into and filling the hole or breach. The skin is stored on-board the ship on a storage spool.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for covering an opening (14) in the damaged metal hull (12) of a ship (10) including a flexible covering material (16) having a plurality of electromagnets (36) embedded therein between inner and outer layers (30, 34) and arranged in generally transverse rows. Electrical energy is applied in sequence to the electromagnets (36) after unrolling of the flexible material (16) alongside the hull (12) between the lowermost row of electromagnets (36) and the uppermost row of electromagnets (36). Fluid assist members (48) are provided to force the flexible material (16) toward the hull (12).

Abstract: An apparatus for temporarily sealing a hole in the hull of a boat comprising an inflatable seal portion disposed adjacent the outer surface of the hull, means for inflating said seal portion and a structural support portion disposed adjacent the inner surface of the hull to maintain said seal portion in intimate contact with the hull of the ship to prevent the flow of water therethrough.

Abstract: The specification disclosed an apparatus for covering/patching a breach in a wall of a container such as a ship hull, which comprises: a sealing plate; an anchor comprising an arm that has a collapsed position and an extended position; and a substantially flexible strap fixed to the anchor and able to run through a strap securing device in the sealing plate. The anchor is positioned in its expanded position on one side of the wall, and the strap is passed through the breach to the other side of the wall where the strap rungs through the strap securing device in the plate. The plate is then positioned against the wall, and the strap is pulled until the plate is held tight against the wall to form a seal against a continable fluid.

Abstract: A method and means for covering an opening (14) in the damaged metal hull (12) of a ship (10) including a flexible covering material (16) having a plurality of electromagnets (36) embedded therein between inner and outer layers (30, 34) and arranged in generally transverse rows. Electrical energy is applied in sequence to the electromagnets (36) after unrolling of the flexible material (16) alongside the hull (12) from the uppermost row of electromagnets (36) to the lowermost row of electromagnets (36). Air assist members (48) are provided to force the flexible material (16) toward the hull (12).

Abstract: A patch or plug repair system for temporarily sealing a rupture in a ship's hull to prevent ingress of sea water or egress of oil. The patch frame utilizes electromagnetic bars to seal a perimeter around the rupture in the longitudinal direction, and resilient gaskets are used at the ends of the frame.

Abstract: A high-strength patching material made of a cloth woven from continuous filament fiberglass warp and filling yarns and impregnated between the yarns with a resinous pliabile-plastic material which hardens spontaneously upon exposure to aqueous moisture is disclosed for use in leakproof patching of pipes and other containers of fluids under elevated pressures.

Abstract: Apparatus for remotely placing and welding a patch over an underwater breach in the hull of a ship. The apparatus is lowered into position over the side of the ship by a winch and cable, then held against the ship's hull by electromagnets. The apparatus has a generally streamlined frame containing a chamber within which a patch plate is carried. Wheels are disposed on the frame to permit the frame to be driven along the hull and positioned over the breach. The patch plate is then moved into position against the hull and welded into place. Operation of the apparatus is viewed through video cameras and is remotely controlled by an operator on board the ship.

Abstract: A hull hole closure apparatus for use with an oil tanker having a hull hole, to seal the hull hole. A first embodiment of the hull hole closure consists of a flexible, waterproof, rectangular sheet, having forward and aft longitudinal reinforcing straps on its concave side edges, as well as transverse reinforcing straps on the concave top edges, joined at the corners with reinforced corner pieces. The hull hole closure is symmetrical about the keel of the tanker, passing under the keel from the starboard to the port side. Cables, secured to winches or cleats, attach to corners of the hull hole closure, drawing it tightly against the hull. Inflatable forward and aft longitudinal high pressure sealing hoses attached to the inner surface of the sheet, adjacent the side edges, seal the sheet to the hull and keel, while longitudinal inflatable bladders extend outward past the high pressure sealing hoses to fill irregular concave areas in the hull not in contact with the high pressure sealing hoses.

Abstract: An on-board oil spill prevention and recovery system for an oil transporting vessel. The system includes a pillow storage container which releasably houses a plurality of sorbent pillows. The container is fixedly attached to said vessel above a hole cut in the deck of the vessel above an oil holding tank thereby permitting the pillows to be selectively released to the interior of the holding tank. The system further includes a sorbent boom selectively deployable in the waters surrounding the vessel.

Abstract: A temporary, reusable, movable hull patch for a damaged oil tanker hull having sides is disclosed. The hull patch comprising an upper track being rigidly affixed to each side of the hull, a lower track being rigidly affixed to each side of the hull and spaced a distance from the upper track, a body portion, four flaps framing the body portion and having four free edges, respectively, containing a resilient material so as to provide a good seal between the hull and the four flaps, the four flaps having a sealed position and an unsealed position, four pivots for pivotally connecting the four flaps to the body portion, respectively, four hydraulic cylinders for moving the four flaps from the sealed position to the unsealed position and vice versa, and two trucks attached to and riding on the lower track and the upper track.

Abstract: Umbrella-like apparatus for closing an unwanted aperture in a substantially panel-like member in an emergency has a longitudinally-extending shaft, a collar mounted on the shaft for sliding movement therealong, and a spring acting between the collar and a fixed abutment on the shaft. A series of arms are each mounted at one end for pivotal movement relative to the shaft, and the collar is moveable from a first position to a second position to cause the arms to move from a first position substantially parallel to the shaft to a second position substantially perpendicular thereto. A flexible covering is secured to the arms and is in a folded condition when the arms are in the first position substantially parallel to the shaft. A manually-operable retainer retains the collar in the first position with the spring in an actuating condition and with the arms in the first position and the flexible covering in the folded condition.

Abstract: A plugging device and system for plugging apertures in panels, and which is particularly useful in plugging irregular apertures in, for example, hulls of water-going vessels. The plugging device includes a body member from which depend a plurality of fingers generally configured in a bundle. When in use, the body member is pushed through the aperture, and the periphery of the aperture forces the fingers to a configuration so as to effectively seal the aperture. The system includes several types of push rods and mechanisms for retaining the plugging device in the aperture.