Abstract: A highly maneuverable straddle carrier vehicle structure is provided for dling various sizes of containers and outsized loads over rough, unleveled, weak and unprepared soils to meet austere requirements which are beyond the capability of commercial straddle lifts that normally operate on prepared surfaces within specific boundaries of yards and docks. Features include high flotation tires capable of operation over marginal terrain, fording capability, all wheel 360 degree steering and offset wheel yokes which permits automatic changing of wheelbase dimensions for rugged sloping terrain operations and wheel positioning for optimum mobility including lateral and oblique movement and vehicle rotation within its own length for a variety of close quarters operations. Load stabilization devices permit container securing during transit and hinged transverse members operate to reduce torsion and bending moments on the vehicle structure over severe terrain.

Abstract: A flexible side connector assembly comprising an in line flexural system ing a plurality of rubber compression elements and a solid shear member. Both the adjacently aligned flexural member and the shear member have grooved solid heads at opposing ends of the assembly for insert of guillotines in opposing platforms which are to be coupled each to the other.

Abstract: Apparatus for use as a chain climbing device or a chain racheting device ludes a pair of spring-closed opposing cams disposed in a rigid structure which supports a pair of cam pins, each of which extends through an elongated aperture in one of the cams. The weight of a person using the chain climbing device is transferred from a pair of cam stops attached to the rigid structure to the cams to the chain. When the device is used for chain racheting the weight of the chain is transferred to the cams to the cam stops to the rigid structure. The shape of the cams and the elongated apertures enable the cams to rotate about and slide upward or downward on the cam pins to selectively allow upward or downward relative motion between the chain and the apparatus or lock the chain and the apparatus in a fixed relationship.

Abstract: A portable personnel platform and ladder for use with elevated piers and ating decks has one end of a compression framework pivotally attached to a rope ladder supporting platform which extends over the pier's edge; adjustable wire backstays which provide cantilever strength connect the opposite end of the compression framework to the upper end of railings on the ladder supporting platform. The opposite end of the compression framework is adapted to have weight added thereto or to be secured to the pier deck. The length of the compression framework is such that considerable leverage is provided to support the weight of several people climbing on the rope ladder attached to the supporting platform while using much less counter-balancing force on the opposite end of the compression framework.

Abstract: A spudwell cooperating with a pipe pile and a jacking mechanism for elevag a pontoon section above a body of water. The spudwell straddles the pipe pile through a pair of vertically aligned apertures through which the pipe pile extends. A plurality of pins rigidly affixed to the spudwell are aligned to extend through holes located in the pontoon section. When extended through the holes in the pontoon section, a securing plate engages the pins thereby securing the spudwell to the pontoon section. A pair of chains from the jacking mechanism are connected to the spudwell via a motion compensation system incorporated therein.

Abstract: A hoist line hook provided with a spring biased safety gate and further pided with a remote operating device for the safety gate. The gate operating device comprises a tension cable (swivelly attached) to the safety gate with the cable extending through a hole in the shank of the hook; the opposite end of the cable is attached to a tagline for remotely opening the safety gate of the hook.

Abstract: A chain jack utilizing two chains is operated by alternately transferring e chain load from latches incorporated within an upper latch assembly to latches incorporated within a lower latch assembly while moving the upper and lower latch assemblies away from and toward each other by alternate extension and retraction of a hydraulic ram to cause relative movement between the chain and the lower latch assembly. Actuation of the latch mechanism is controlled by hydraulic connection to a pair of four-way valves operated by a control piston having followers from the four-way valves engageable thereon. The control piston is disposed to move with the upper latch assembly while the followers are rigidly affixed to the lower latch assembly. Thus, the engagement and disengagement of the latch mechanisms with the chains are synchronized by the relative movement between the lower and upper latch assemblies.

Abstract: A pin connection system supporting a causeway section from a pipe piling prising an elongated body member adapted for insertion through a pair of diametrically opposed openings in the pipe piling. One end of the body member having a guide tip rigidly affixed thereto and the other end having a retrieval shackle rotatably affixed thereto. A pair of safety stops are rigidly affixed to the underside of the pin for straddling the inside and outside diameter surfaces of the pipe piling adjacent one of the openings. A skid plate is inserted through the openings prior to the insertion of the pin thereby providing a guide for the pin insertion.