Abstract: The present invention is an improved swivel joint for use as part of a cable-guided fishing assembly. The swivel joint contains a bearing assembly comprising a series of ball bearings partially encased by an inner and outer race. During a cable-guided fishing operation, the inner and outer race exert a shearing, rather than compression, force on the ball bearing due to the unique configuration of the bearing assembly. This unique configuration increases the strength of the bearing assembly, and the corresponding strength of the swivel joint, without necessitating an increase in the outer diameter of the swivel joint.

Abstract: A cable hanger for use in a cable-guided fishing operation is disclosed. The disclosed invention provides a cable hanger in which a specially-shaped hanger body is connected to a handle having a cable groove running through it. The cable groove allows for the centerline of a cable to run through the centerline of the handle, thereby allowing for a straight-line pull to be exerted on the cable through the cable hanger. The specially-shaped hanger body is operatively connected to a specially-shaped body cover by a plurality of links. In this way, the hanger body and cover form a “clamshell” arrangement in which the cover can rotate from an open position to a closed position around the cable. When in the closed position, the cover and body are bolted together along the side of the cover and body opposite the links.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved spear head overshot. The spear head overshot is particularly useful as part of a cable-guided fishing assembly. The spear head overshot essentially comprises one or more pivot lugs, the pivot lugs comprising jaw sections and release point sections, an actuator slide, a wave spring, a pivot mandrel, a screw attached to the pivot mandrel, and a compression spring threaded over the screw. In operation, a spear head is inserted into the spear head overshot until the spear head passes the jaw sections of the pivot lugs, at which time the spear head is locked into place. To release the spear head, the release point sections of the pivot lugs are manually forced inward. Simultaneously, the jaw sections of the pivot lugs are forced outward, thereby allowing the spear head to be removed from the spear head overshot. In a cable-guided fishing operation, this process can be repeated as often as necessary.

Abstract: A cable hanger for use in a cable-guided fishing operation is disclosed. The disclosed invention provides a cable hanger in which a specially-shaped hanger body is connected to a handle having a cable groove running through it. The cable groove allows for the centerline of a cable to run through the centerline of the handle, thereby allowing for a straight-line pull to be exerted on the cable through the cable hanger. The specially-shaped hanger body is operatively connected to a specially-shaped body cover by a plurality of links. In this way, the hanger body and cover form a “clamshell” arrangement in which the cover can rotate from an open position to a closed position around the cable. When in the closed position, the cover and body are bolted together along the side of the cover and body opposite the links.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved spear head overshot. The spear head overshot is particularly useful as part of a cable-guided fishing assembly. The spear head overshot essentially comprises one or more pivot lugs, the pivot lugs comprising jaw sections and release point sections, an actuator slide, a wave spring, a pivot mandrel, a screw attached to the pivot mandrel, and a compression spring threaded over the screw. In operation, a spear head is inserted into the spear head overshot until the spear head passes the jaw sections of the pivot lugs, at which time the spear head is locked into place. To release the spear head, the release point sections of the pivot lugs are manually forced inward. Simultaneously, the jaw sections of the pivot lugs are forced outward, thereby allowing the spear head to be removed from the spear head overshot. In a cable-guided fishing operation, this process can be repeated as often as necessary.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved swivel joint for use as part of a cable-guided fishing assembly. The swivel joint contains a bearing assembly comprising a series of ball bearings partially encased by an inner and outer race. During a cable-guided fishing operation, the inner and outer race exert a shearing, rather than compression, force on the ball bearing due to the unique configuration of the bearing assembly. This unique configuration increases the strength of the bearing assembly, and the corresponding strength of the swivel joint, without necessitating an increase in the outer diameter of the swivel joint.