Patent ID: 9315332
Filing Date: 2016-04-19
CPC Classification: B63B,B63G,B63H,B65G

Claim Text:
1. A method of moving an elongate member along a predetermined axis for the introduction or withdrawal thereof to or from a free body, the method including: providing an elongate guide surface extending parallel to said predetermined axis; providing a plurality of support elements which are slidable on said elongate guide surface in a direction parallel to said predetermined axis; supporting said elongate member on said support elements so that at least a major portion of the mass is supported thereby; and causing said elongate member and said support elements to move along said predetermined axis; wherein the support elements are dismantleable whereby, when the elongate member is supported by a series of three or more said supporting elements, one of said supporting elements of the series can be dismantled to leave the elongate member supported in alignment with said predetermined axis by the remaining support elements, wherein said elongate member comprises a propeller shaft for propelling a naval vessel, and wherein said free body comprises at least a stern portion of the naval vessel.