Abstract: A system is provided for securing a vessel (24) such as a tanker to a moored body (12) that is moored to the sea floor, which enables the vessel to remain secured in more severe weather. In addition to the deployed length (27) of securing line (26) that extends between the moored body and the vessel, applicant stores an additional length (28) of securing line. When large drift forces are applied to the vessel, the vessel is allowed to drift away from the moored body, while a braking apparatus (34) pays out the previously-stored length of securing line, while resisting such pay out by maintaining a high securing line tension such as 300 tons. When the drift force decreases to a predetermined low level such as 60 tons, the braking apparatus draws in the securing line to draw back the vessel towards its quiescent position.

Abstract: Systems are described for precisely positioning motion picture film frames at a camera film gate by the use of registration pins that project into film perforations, where the film frames are spaced by 2.5 perforation spacings, or perf spacings instead of the standard 4 perforations. In one system, the film is advanced a first time in steps of 5 perf spacings each to photograph alternate perf spacings film frames, (that are spaced by 2.5 perf spacings) perf spacings with the film gate mask being offset by 0.5 during a second pass when the film is advanced in steps of 5 perf. spacings each. In another system, the registration mechanism includes two sets of registration pins which are alternately projected into alternate film frames as the film is advanced in steps of 2.5 perf spacings. In another system, additional holes are punched into the standard film stock, so there are holes or perforations located at 2.5 perf. spacings along the length of the film.

Abstract: A lockring tube joint is described where the end portions of a pair of interfitting tubes are joined by a lockring, wherein the lockring can be installed with less force than prior lockrings and, despite lower installation forces, the tubes are securely held together. The lockring has a front section whose internal surface is tapered, a center section with a cylindrical inner surface of the same diameter as the smallest diameter of the front section, and a rear section forming a push surface for receiving forces to push the ring onto the tubes. The center section is relatively long and thin. As the lockring is pushed onto the interfitting tubes, the front section of the lockring encounters resistance to forward movement, while the center section section of the lockring is longitudinally compressed. The longitudinally compressed center section elastically grows in diameter, which avoids high friction contact with the outermost tube.