Abstract: A supporting arrangement for a vessel for counteracting compressive loads at an operating temperature. The supporting arrangement also provides inertial stiffening of the hull of the vessel as well as acoustic and vibration damping. The supporting arrangement includes a support structure that is made from a shape memory alloy that contacts and presses against the inner walls of the vessel. The supporting arrangement utilizes the shape recovery properties and/or the internal energy properties of the shape memory alloy support structure to provide reinforcing and damping forces.

Abstract: A supporting arrangement for a vessel for counteracting compressive loads at an operating temperature. The supporting arrangement also provides inertial stiffening of the hull of the vessel as well as acoustic and vibration damping. The supporting arrangement includes a support structure that is made from a shape memory alloy that contacts and presses against the inner walls of the vessel. The supporting arrangement utilizes the shape recovery properties and/or the internal energy properties of the shape memory alloy support structure to provide reinforcing and damping forces.

Abstract: A structural element includes an internal rib and mounting structure having end ribs joined by rails to a plurality of intermediate ribs. A cylindrical skin positioned about the cylindrical rib and mounting structure allows the structure to slide in and out of the skin. A cylindrical male end joint can be a fastening to the end rib of the mounting structure to retain the structure within the skin. Likewise, a female end joint is secured on the other end rib of the structure to complete the structural element. The end joints are sealed against the skin to prevent leakage. The rails can be provided as rail sections joining adjacent ribs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rowing seat for use in a rowboat. The seat includes a chest and abdomen support designed to provide support and leverage for rowers of rearward facing rowboats. The seat includes a clamp so that it may be removably secured to a rowboat bench. The seat further includes a hinge between the seat and the chest support so that the chest support may be collapsed to a horizontal position when not in use.

Abstract: A transport vessel hull is provided for withstanding great pressure differential between the environments inside and outside the hull, and includes an enclosed hexahedral housing having a substantially diamond-shaped cross section with a long diagonal oriented horizontally and a short diagonal oriented vertically. A support structure is contained within the housing for bearing the loads resulting from the pressure differential across the hull, and includes a plurality of vertical frame members connected at the upper and lower ends thereof to the housing on either respective side of the short diagonal to form a plurality of high strength-to-weight ratio trusses.

Abstract: A gripping device of an injection molding machine, the gripping device rotatably disposed to a front side of a plate which is connected to a mold, the gripping device including a rotatable device, a first jaw and a second jaw, the first and the second jaws are slidably engaged to the board and the board having a first gear disposed thereto, a shaft extending through the board, the first gear and the plate wherein the shaft is fixed at both its ends and has a threaded portion defined in a peripheral surface thereof to threadedly engage with the first jaw and the second jaw, a second motor disposed to the plate and having a second gear mechanically engaged thereto, the second gear engaged to the first gear such that the board and the first gear are rotated by the second motor, the movable plate and the gripping device are therefore moved along the shaft so as be to securely engaged to another fixed mold.

Abstract: A submarine arrangement comprising a double hull construction forward having a wasp waist section minimizes ship displacement and permits storage of weapons in the wasp waist section.

Abstract: An underwater, high strength lightweight buoyant structure fabricated of individual segments which are adhesively bonded together. Each segment includes an outer wall which faces the ambient medium, an inner wall displaced from the outer wall and a plurality of tapered side walls joining the outer and inner walls thereby defining a central core. The walls are of composite construction and the arrangement is such as to eliminate local buckling and collapse when utilized at great ocean depths, without the use of thick composite sections.

Abstract: A submersible observation vessel having a transparent acrylic hull. The hull comprises a plurality of transparent acrylic cylinders, a plurality of seals to prevent leakage between the cylinders of the hull, a front hatch hinged on the first seal, and a bulk head having an aft hatch welded to the last seal. An integral cradle supports the vessel when on dry dock and provides a medium for lifting the vessel into and out of the water.

Abstract: A support assembly (1,11,31) for mounting within a vessel (3) which may be subjected to an inwardly acting pressure differential, comprises a support member (2,12) which is in contact with an internal surface, of the vessel so as to define a recess (4,14). In use the recess is filled with an incompressible fluid, which may be an hydraulic oil. The support member (2,12) may be further provided with an intensifier (19,32) which produces a positive pressure differential between the fluid in the recess (4,14) and the pressure acting on the vessel 3. The effect of this is to induce a tensile loading in the vessel wall in the vicinity of the recess (4,14) and thereby provide support for the vessel.

Abstract: A structure for an underwater hull or tank which is required to withstand a high external pressure due to use at great immersion depths. The hull or tank is composed of one or more toric components formed of metal, which may be filled with a pressure-resistant material for added strength. The toric components are interconnected by connecting rings welded between adjacent toric components, and longitudinal connecting beams which are welded to the toric components and connecting rings.