Abstract: A boat includes a hull and a unique integrated, molded, floor and stringer system for positioning in the hull for providing structural support and stiffening thereto. The floor and stringer system may include first and second stringers and at least two bulkheads extending therebetween. The first and second stringers include a floor surface integrally molded therewith so that once the floor and stringer system is positioned in the interior of the hull, the floor surface remains exposed to serve as part of the boat's floor. Associated methods for manufacturing the boat and integrated floor and stringer system are also disclosed.

Abstract: In the embodiments described in the specification, a power converter unit contains a series of enclosures mounted on a platform which is supported from a ship's hull structure by isolation mounts. Each enclosure includes power conversion modules and is supplied with power cables, cooling liquid pipes and control lines from a panel forming a back wall of the enclosure. The power converter modules are supported in the enclosure for displacement out of the enclosure for inspection and testing and flexible power cables, cooling liquid pipes and control lines are provided to facilitate testing and inspection.

Abstract: A ship is constructed of a skeleton, including a hull, horizontal decks, and vertical support posts, all permanently joined together. At least some of the interior walls are made of a composite material of reinforcement embedded in a plastic matrix. These non-structural interior walls are semi-permanently attached to the skeleton with attachments, so that they may be readily rearranged to reconfigure the interior of the ship. The majority of the apparatus and infrastructure of the ship is affixed to the skeleton but not to the non-structural walls.

Abstract: A ship has at least one deck which is inventively latticed in a regular (e.g., repeating) geometric pattern of hatches. The hatches of each such inventive deck are shaped in standardized geometric forms and disposed in diagonally contiguous interrelationships, thereby enhancing the structural characteristics of the deck and of the ship, especially in terms of attenuation of warping deflections and resultant stresses.

Abstract: There are disclosed embodiments of hollow-walled structures for marine use, and particularly of form a semi-submersible vessel for use in the off-shore industry. The structure has concrete walls of hollow structure, and void formers are incorporated in at least some of the concrete walls to provide controlled variation in wall density to meet design requirements. In the application of the invention to a semi-submersible vessel, void formers are cast in situ within the concrete walls of upstanding columns of the vessel, and in which the volume and/or distribution of the void formers in the walls varies in such a way that the density of the columns decrease with height above the base.

Abstract: A method of conversion of a single hull vessel to a double hull vessel is provided and has at least the steps of:(a) positioning a section of a second hull shell beneath a first hull of a vessel;(b) raising the section of second hull shell to locate it adjacent the first hull; and(c) attaching the section of second hull shell to the first hull.In a preferred method, the second hull shell is positioned in relation to the first hull by male and female locating members disposed on adjacent portions of the first and second hulls. The method is carried out in a dry dock or, alternatively, using a ship-lifting system. The second hull has side and end sections formed of substantially hollow steel blocks, and the bottom section has transverse ribs for additional strength. Thus, a double hull vessel of the present invention has substantially the same interior capacity as the single hull vessel before the conversion.

Abstract: A submarine hull has integrally defined fuel tankage tubes surrounding an ner skin, and a structural foam core in the interstitial annular space not occupied by the tubing. An outer skin completes the structure, both inner and outer skins are of composite construction.

Abstract: Each keel panel for a punt-like boat is formed from aluminum sheet having a relatively low temper/high degree of extensibility and the bow portion is stretched formed over a die in a metal stretching machine. The hull construction of the boat has a keel, chines and gunwales formed from aluminum extrusions, interconnected by transverse ribs, where the keel panels are connected to the keel, chines and gunwales but are not connected to the ribs to permit limited movement relative thereto.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention a surface ship having at least one tractor podded propulsor is provided. The vessel having a tractor podded propulsor system comprises a hull means and at least one tractor podded propulsor unit attached to the aft section of the hull means. The at least one tractor podded propulsor unit comprises an axisymmetric pod having a longitudinal centerline associated therewith, at least one propeller mounted for rotation to a forward end of the pod, and a substantially vertically aligned streamlined strut connected at a top end to the aft section of the hull means and connected at a bottom end to the pod. The pod has a forward end and a tapered aft end. Mounted within the pod is at least one rotatably mounted propeller shaft that extends forward of the pod forward end, shaft seals, thrust bearings, and power means functioning to rotate the at least one propeller shaft.

Abstract: A catamaran vessel includes two hulls which are mutually connected by a cargo deck. A superstructure includes passenger spaces and is supported by a web structure which extends generally along each hull. Each longitudinal side wall of the superstructure is formed from a latticework beam whose plane is oriented generally vertically and whose longitudinal axis extends essentially horizontally. The latticework beams are fixedly connected to the wall structures. The floor and ceiling structures of the superstructure are connected to the latticework beams so as to greatly stiffen the superstructure and to render the beams highly resistant to bending forces. Consequently, the spaces defined between the longitudinal profiles of the beams and the struts are essentially free of deformation forces when the vessel is at sea. The spaces can be used essentially completely for windows, and the wall structures can be given a relatively low natural bending resistance.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for inclusion in a ship comprising a mass (10), that is vibrationally coupled to the ship's hull (12) such that movement of the mass is dampened. The mass (10) is so sized and located as to, when in use it reduces the fundamental and/or harmonics of a transverse two node mode of wave-induced vibration in the ship's hull (12). There is also described an apparatus for inclusion in a ship comprising a mass (10) made up in part of the tackle or fitments of the ship, which also are vibrationally coupled to the ship's hull (12) by a damping such that movement of the mass (10) is dampened so as to thereby, when in use, reduce vibrations in the ship's hull (12). In a preferred embodiment the mass (10) is at least in part a chain locker and that portion of the chain stored therein. By reducing vibrations in the ship's hull (12) significant stresses may be relieved and the performance of the ship enhanced.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hybrid framing system for providing transverse structural support to and a predetermined cargo compartment arrangement for a bulk cargo carrier vessel of the type having a longitudinal midsection for locating cargo compartments. The system includes a hull bottom and port and starboard side walls depending from the hull bottom and defining the vessel midsection, a plurality of liquid-tight transverse bulkheads attached to the bottom and side walls and defining a series of adjoining cargo compartments in the vessel midsection, and a plurality of non-liquid-tight transverse web frames, at least one of the web frames positioned between successive ones of the transverse bulkheads. The bottom and side walls each including an inner hull shell, an outer hull shell, and a plurality of longitudinal support members therebetween.

Abstract: In a modularly constructed longitudinal midbody of a double-hulled tanker, each module is provided, along the vessel centerline, with a prefabricated subassembly including a keel portion of the double hull structure, and a pipe tunnel containing virtually all equipment, piping and nonstructural components required to be installed below the vessel's upper deck to serve the cargo tanks and ballast tanks within the respective module. Each subassembly extends throughout the length of the respective module and respective of its features are connectable at the module ends with the comparable features of adjoining modules. The subassembly may serve as the base for a longitudinal bulkhead.

Abstract: An ocean vessel such as an oil tanker or other ship has a hull assembly comprised of a non-ship structurally active, energy absorbing arrangement disposed between spaced-apart inner and outer hulls. The energy absorbing arrangement crushes in controlled fashion in response to impact loads on the ship's hull, such as may result if the ship collides with another ship or is grounded on an object such as a rock or reef. The crushing of the energy absorbing assembly provides highly efficient energy absorption so as to reduce the penetration of the hull and thereby greatly reduce the likelihood that the contents of, for example, an oil tanker may be spilled. In a first embodiment, a plurality of tubes extending between and joined to the opposite inner and outer hulls at desired angles relative thereto are provided with corrugations, flutes or dimples to enable the tubes to crush in controlled fashion.

Abstract: A double-hull tanker having one or more cargo tanks is structured so as to have compartments surrounding each cargo tank in the form of between inner and outer hulls, and possibly between cargo tanks. These surrounding compartments are normally empty when the tanker is carrying a cargo of oil, or a similar largely water immiscible, lighter-than-water flowable liquid cargo. The volume of the cargo tank or tanks above a level equal to 111 percent of the assigned draft (Vc) of the vessel, is less than the volume of that cargo tank's surrounding compartments below that same level (Va). Because the hydrostatic equilibrium level for typical specific gravity ranges of crude oil and seawater is at least 111 percent of a vessel's maximum allowable operating draft, the compartments provide sufficient volume to contain all oil which might leak from a cargo tank during grounding damage.

Abstract: A vessel for use in the refinement or production of oil/petroleum products at sea at a location at a distance from the coast is designed as a ship (1) of the lash type, in which there are integrated a number of barges (2) which can be removed from the ship's hull and used as independent transport vessels for the transport of products to and from shore. In the ship there is integrated manufacturing or production equipment in a unit (4). This unit (4) can also be provided in a barge which is part of the lash construction. The manufacturing equipment in the unit (4) is preferably positioned close to the ship's means of propulsion and control. In the ship's construction between the barges and the production equipment (2, 4), there are integtrated transport systems for the products obtained.

Abstract: A submersible or submarine vessel having a unique pressure hull formed from a plurality of truncated spherical cells having at least one opening, wherein said cells are connected together in a generally loop array with said openings in confronting relation to define a interconnected internal space for utilization by personnel, equipment, or machinery. When said connected cells define a loop array having an open central area, dome means enclose the central area permitting utilization thereof, or, a further spherical cell or cells are disposed in the central area with access thereinto from a cell in the loop array for utilization, whereby at all times convexly curved spherical surfaces are exposed to high hydrostatic pressures, thereby to provide a maximum strength pressure hull.

Abstract: A method of constructing or, modifying a watercraft (10) comprises the step of fitting to a main hull (14) of the watercraft an outer hull structure (15) which includes or which forms an outer hull skin (22) by attaching the outer hull structure (15) to the external surface of the main hull (14) of the watercraft. The outer hull structure (15) provides fluid containment spaces (155) between the outer hull skin (22) and the main hull (14) and a communication is provided for flooding the spaces (155) with water from the body of water within which the craft moves. The fluid containment spaces (155) extend above the waterline of the watercraft and means are provided for supplying a pressurized inert gas and/or for applying vacuum pressures to preselected sections of the outer hull structure (15) so that the water levels in those sections can be brought above or below the waterline of the watercraft to increase the overall ballast effect or the buoyancy or to alter the trim of the watercraft (10 ).

Abstract: In a hull the skin plate is built up as a composite member with an outer skin, a core and an inner skin. The skin plate is placed on the framework which includes longitudinal stiffeners. The inner skin is constructed as a diaphragm element relative to the external water pressure, while the core is made as a pressure-absorbing element and the outer skin is constructed primarily as a bending stressed element. The inner skin as a diaphragm will take tensile stress and be protected against outer local stresses. The material in the core can be chosen without major requirements to be able to tolerate shearing stress. The outer skin can be dimensioned and made primarily to take local shock loads.

Abstract: A working apparatus comprising openings formed as gondola access holes in tank web frame of a ship, a rail passed through the openings and secured to the tank web frame, a trolley adapted to travel along the rail, a hoist mounted on the trolley, and a gondola elevatably suspended from the hoist is provided. The working apparatus can transport workers or necessary articles to a working place to be inspected or repaired for carrying out the inspection and/or repair within tanks of a ship.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved vessel configuration for high speed ships such as Naval Destroyers. The vessel has a long, slender tumble home (inward-sloped topsides) watertight hull and a deckhouse structurally integral with the watertight hull. All main machinery is modular and outside the watertight hull, freeing midship areas for personnel. Two removable, prealigned and pretested, steerable propulsor modules are attached to the stern after construction and are replaceable pierside. Each propulsor module includes a steerable pod aligned to the water inflow, a steering cylinder, and a streamlined strut connecting the pod to the steering cylinder. Two removable, power modules are mounted above the weather deck in a deckhouse. Each power module includes an intercooled, recuperated gas turbine, a ship-service alternator, and a propulsion alternator.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a midbody section for a liquid cargo vessel of the double hull type, the midbody section having rectilinear top, bottom, and two side hull portions joined by four curvilinear hull portions, the midbody section including: the top, bottom, and two side hull portions being constructed from substantially identically dimensioned rectilinear sandwich sections and having inner and outer hull plates; and the four curvilinear hull portions being substantially identically dimensioned and having inner and outer hull plates. The invention includes method and apparatus for construction of the sandwich sections.

Abstract: A method for joining modules of ships. Ship modules are fabricated in individual bays of fabrication buildings and then moved out of the buildings for attachment together to form the ship on water. This eliminates the need for large dry docks or launch areas. The modules are floated and positioned such that the edges to be joined are adjacent or abutting each other. A flexible strap may be positioned tightly against the joint exterior to prevent water entry or a floating structure may be positioned under the modules such that a circular cross section backing seal the joint to prevent water entry. The interior of the modules is dewatered and the modules are then welded together. The modules may be positioned adjacent each other above the waterline through the use of a barge and dry dock to eliminate the need for dewatering.

Abstract: In a double-layered vessel wall construction, which has two transversally spaced longitudinal wall layers, and wall layer-connecting plates, each of which has one longitudinal edge weldingly joined in a plate edge-to-plate edge joint in one of the longitudinal wall layers, and an opposite longitudinal edge weldingly joined in a plate edge-to-plate edge joint in the other of the longitudinal wall layers, so as to divide space enclosed by the wall construction into a plurality of cells that are typically closed at opposite ends by transverse bulkheads, cell-to-cell access openings are longitudinally staggered and located near cell ends. Accordingly, forced air ventilation can sweep through virtually all of the space enclosed within the wall construction, and a worker who falls while climbing from one cell to another via an access hole can fall no further than the vertical extent of the two cells which are interconnected by that access opening.

Abstract: The fixtures in which curved and reinforced flat plates are held while being welded, cleaned, coated and cured include fixedly mounted exterior towers and interior towers removably mounted on rollable bogies (i.e., rail cars or carriages) for ease of transport through a succession of work stations. Subcomponents fabricated on respective bogies are weldingly joined to form module subassemblies after coupling and maneuvering the respective bogies to align the subcomponents (i.e., units). A transverse bulkhead is supported on fluid cushion pallets beside the bogie-supporting rails, so that the transverse bulkhead can be positioned for welding of each subassembly thereto, to provide each respective double-walled vessel hull midbody module.

Abstract: A subcomponent for a subassembly of a module of a longitudinal midbody for a double-walled vessel hull is fabricated by welding an edge of a rib to an intermediate location on a face of a hull plate. A plurality of such subcomponents are alternately arranged and positioned in a fixture so as to dispose a free longitudinal edge of a rib plate in juxtaposition with adjoining longitudinal edges of two outer hull plates, or with adjoining longitudinal edges of two inner hull plates. At each of these sites, the three adjoining edges are welded together, thereby fabricating subcomponents into subassemblies. By preference, the hull plates are flat.

Abstract: A boat hull includes a stern section known as a transom which comprises an outer transom wall, an inner transom wall spaced apart from the outer transom wall, and a core of syntactic foam comprising a plurality of microspheres encapsulated in a resin inserted between the outer transom wall and the inner transom wall.

Abstract: Equipments such as outfits or plant elements are divided according to their functions. Some or all of equipments with related functions are accommodated as a module into a frame so that a plurality of frame modules are formed. The frame module is arranged in a space or the frame modules are arranged in three-dimensionally in the space.

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 small ship made of plurality of prefabricated sections, which are made at a factory by a plastic deformation process, such as stamping or rolling, and of a dimension, size and shape such that an overland transportation by road thereof is possible. The sections are transported to a site located at a coastal zone, and connected to each other thereat to thereby build a ship.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for launching at sea a rocket with a satellite or military weapon payload. At a staging point where trusses, rockets and other requirements are located, two ships are aligned side by side and interconnected with the trusses rigidly connecting and holding the ships a predetermined distance apart to form a rocket launcher. A pivotable cradle on a truss connecting the ships' mid-sections is used for supporting a rocket above the sea. Exhaust gases from the rocket at time of launch are directed downward onto the sea, and the cradle is rotatable for directing the launch of the rocket at various angles. Cooling sprayers provide protection of the structure from excessive heat occurring at blast-off by pumping sea water onto the structure. Support apparatus includes cranes for transport of the rockets and recovery of launch material from the sea.

Abstract: A module frame to form a virtual hexahedron is provided. A component and its connector are positioned and installed in the module frame by using, as a point of origin in transverse and longitudinal directions, a point on a ridge between a bow-side transverse face and a hull-center-side longitudinal face of the virtual hexahedron and using, as reference points in a vertical direction, points respectively on upper and lower faces of said virtual hexahedron. This prevents any accumulation of dimensional errors of module frames upon installation of the module frames in a ship.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a convertible the capable of being transformed to change from a conventional mode of propulsion to a nuclear mode of propulsion. The submarine includes an aft section delimited by a pressure tight hull and two transverse bulkheads in which are located electric energy production and storage installations using batteries and diesel-generators. The aft section can be transformed to convert the submarine to the use of an anaerobic energy source by substituting for these installations, installations adapted to the anaerobic source of energy while preserving the integrity of the pressure tight hull and bulkheads, without internal substitution causing any substantial modification in the weight or centering of the aft section.

Abstract: A cargo ship is provided with transverse bulkheads to separate holds from each other. In addition, the bulkheads are arranged in pairs to define compartments therebetween in which flights of steps are arranged. Access openings are also provided in the transversely extending bulkheads to provide access to the steps at various levels. Each flight of steps is contained between two partitions which form a passage within the compartment. A hatch cover is provided at the top to gain access to the passage.

Abstract: An improved curved-plate, double-hull tanker construction is provided, having reduced or eliminated transverse reinforcing structure in its midbody, except for bulkheads. The hull, though double, can compare in weight to conventional single hulls, despite being entirely made of mild steel plate. It is made of significantly fewer pieces, with a reduction in welding footage. More of the steel is used in the form of plate, rather than more expensive shapes. Improved productivity is possible, resulting from standardization of parts, less scrap, greater use of jigs and fixtures, automated welding, blast-cleaning and painting, so that not so much staging is needed, the work environment can be safer, and the product can be produced at a lower unit labor cost. Preferably, cathodic epoxy painting is used for durability and reduction in problems due to blast cleaning, solvent evaporation and generation of refuse.

Abstract: The parallel midbody for the hull of a tanker is fabricated of modules, each made of double-walled longitudinal subassemblies welded to one another and to a bulkhead. The subassemblies are made of outer cylindrically curved plates welded edge to edge, and inner cylindrically curved plates welded edge to edge. Longitudinal rib plates are extended between and are welded into joints between curved plates in the inner and outer hulls. The curved plates are convex towards the exterior of the vessel. At respective transitions between the bottom and sides, the inner and outer hulls have bilge radii which approximate in size the radii of curvature of others of the plates including ones both adjacent to and remote from the bottom-to-side transitions. A fixture for facilitating welding of the T-joints of the subassemblies is provided. The subassemblies and modules are fabricated in an up-ended orientation.

Abstract: A method for converting an existing semi-submersible drilling- or accommodation rig into a floating production plant having apparatus for extracting and processing oil and/or gas, or other heavy and bulky deck load. These vessels comprise at least two submerged pontoon bodies, a work deck raised to a secure level above the surface of water having personnel accommodation areas and upright support columns between the bodies and the work deck. A module is prefabricated which contains the main part of the processing apparatus. The vessel is provided with a steel structure to carry the module near the level of the work deck. Also, the vessel is provided with a displacement increasing device, substantially corresponding to the dead weight of the module and the steel structure. Further, the water line area of the vessel is increased until the necessary deck load capacity and stability is achieved.

Abstract: A molded or pre-fabricated Central Core Unit module, containing the aligned attachment points, surfaces, or brackets necessary for incorporating the Float Connection Assemblies for the retraction of a trimaran's stabilizing floats, to be along side the center hull of a trimaran. The Float Connection Assemblies are attached to and aligned by this Central Core Unit. The Core Unit module replaces a number of brackets or surfaces and bulkheads that had to be independently constructed and aligned in the central hull. With the Central Core Unit module, the Float Connection Assemblies can be self-contained and independent from the trimaran hulls, which can then be constructed of any material. The Central Core Unit module and associated Float Connection Assemblies can be removable and used in a wide range of trimaran designs of similar size.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling strain and deflection in a superstructure, resulting from movement/displacement of the main structure on maritime and aerospace vessels, and other structures which have significant strains and/or deflections induced by support displacements. This method involves the use of elastic devices inserted in the said superstructure and fine tuned with respect to stiffness, to an extent where the load distribution throughout the said superstructure can be controlled. The device is constructed by the use of material formed in a geometric shape which will allow yielding, to a desired amount of strain and/or deflections, in the elastic device, superstructure and main structure.

Abstract: A submerged object, such as a barge, is cut into pieces by a cutting apparatus suspended from a floating vessel. The apparatus comprises a blade carrier which forms channels in which a cutting blade is mounted for vertical movement. In practice, the blade carrier includes a pair of pointed anchor studs at the lower end thereof. The blade carrier is suspended above the submerged barge and is dropped thereon so that the anchor studs are impaled in the barge to hold the carrier in positionally constrained relationship therewith. Thereafter, the cutting blade is dropped onto the barge while the carrier is positionally constrained relative to the barge by the anchor studs. By repeated performance of those steps, a series of aligned cuts can be made through the object in order to divide the object into separately raisable pieces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for building a passenger section consisting of several cabin units (7) or similar in the superstructure of a ship with several floor levels located above the actual hull on the topmost deck (1) covering the entire hull of the ship. The passenger section is assembled by installing prefabricated cabin units (7) with a bottom construction embodying sufficient local strength so, that they are supported by at least one self-supporting three-dimensional latticework or frame consisting of braced girders (3, 3', 4, 5) or similar, the requisite overall strength of the superstructure being substantially based on this latticework or frame.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced plastic having the high fiber to resin ratio associated with pultruded parts is employed as a boat transom reinforcement.

Abstract: A boat hull is constructed of a plurality of unitary plates connected together along their edges and connected to an internal frame at the edges, such that the side deck and bottom plates of the hull are connected solely at their respective edges to the internal frame, with the plates being spaced outward from the frame intermediate the connections, and with an elastomer disposed in the space between the frame members and the hull plates.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of rapidly and inexpensively converting an ocean deck or cargo barge so that it may be used as a U.S. Coast Guard approved manned service and construction barge. This is accomplished by providing the cargo barge with modular components mounted to the deck of the barge. Such modular components include crew living quarters modules, a kitchen module, a mess module, storage module and a central services module. The central services module functions to distribute the utilities required for manned use. Such utilities include electrical power, potable water and fire water. The barge is also provided with generators, fuel tanks, bulk storage potable water tanks and a crane.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ship having a monocoque or unitary-construction hull (1) made of a composite material having a base of suitably-reinforced plastics. According to the invention, the longitudinal strength of the hull (1) mainly derives from the monocoque or unitary-construction hull and the decks (4). Optional transverse reinforcing structures may be constituted exclusively by structural transverse bulkheads (5). The thickness of the monocoque hull (1) increases, preferably in a substantially uninterrupted manner, from the stringer area towards the keel (2). The keel (2) and the rolling chocks (3) are integral with, and made of the same material as, the monocoque hull (1). At least some tanks are constituted by cylinders (8, 8', 9) made of a plastics-based composite material and suspended, at a certain height from the bottom of the hull (1), between two successive structural transverse bulkheads (5).

Abstract: A method of attaching a blister to the shell of a ship such as an aircraft carrier in a dry dock. The method comprises providing rails on the bottom of the dry dock along the dry dock side where the blister is to be attached to the ship shell such that the rails extend in the longitudinal direction of the dry dock, placing the blister member, with a guide member thereon, on a truck and moving the truck, with the blister member thereon, along the rails to a position where the blister block is to be fixed to the ship shell and, while engaging the guide member with the side of the dry dock, raising the blister member so as to engage the ship shell and fixing the raised blister member to the ship shell.

Abstract: The handling apparatus includes two spaced apart lower arms pivoting on a base, and two spaced apart upper arms pivoting on an elbow bearing on the lower arms. The lower arm is driven by a ball-screw arrangement in which a threaded drive, mounted on the base of the apparatus is connected to a ball screw attached to a strut between the ball screw and the lower arm. Moving the ball screw along the threaded drive member pivots the lower arm upward. Another ball screw arrangement is mounted on the lower arm and is attached to the lower end of the upper arm by means of cables that extend along a rear curved surface of the upper arm to allow for more travel of the upper arm. Various attachment can be mounted on the upper arm including hangers for propellers and rudders and a gripper unit for supporting propeller shafts. When handling propellers and rudders, a single material handling unit is used, and the propeller or rudder is hung between the spaced apart arms.

Abstract: An engine installation for ships with a prefabricated box-like engine module container with an engine and a transmission installed therewithin. The module encloses the engine and the transmission, and has a shaft installation for connection to a main propeller of the ship. The prefabricated module is suspended from an upper portion thereof by force bearing members rigidly mounted on the ship. Between the module and torque transmission equipment rigidly mounted on the hull, there is an axial-radial alignment equalization torque transmitting link.

Abstract: A ship according to the present invention comprises an inner hull plating (1) and an outer hull plating (2) connected together solely by transverse bulkheads (4) and connecting longitudinal members (3) fixed to the bulkheads (4). Each bulkhead 4 comprises a rectangular double plate central portion and a rectangular ring form box (11) surrounding the central portion. The box (11) includes a flaring part (11a) internally provided with generally triangular ribs (10) and a peripheral part (11b) of a constant thickness receiving part of the connecting longitudinal members (3).

Abstract: On a ship, the longitudinal beams and the framework girders of different decks or of the inside bottom are arranged in identical vertical planes. In at least some of the rectangles defined by the longitudinal beams and the framework girders, there are access openings located vertically above one another. The openings in a vertical group are practically all the same size and aligned with one another vertically. Between corresponding junction points of the longitudinal beams and the framework girders above one another, vertical props running intercostally are located at the corners of each access opening. At least the third and subsequent access openings from the top are closed, preferably in a water-tight manner, by identically-sized removable access covers having at least two pieces each.