Abstract: A flexure joint is formed at the base of a buoyant tower structure by piles driven into the ocean floor. The geometric arrangement of these piles increases the buoyant tower's resistance to lateral forces at the base, while allowing rotational displacement about any horizontal axis, and also allows wells to be directed through the piles to formations located a substantial distance from the tower.

Abstract: Motion compensated load-lifting apparatus for use on marine vessels. Apparatus includes a traveling weight used to maintain tension in the load-lifting member, and a locking mechanism to prevent movement of the traveling weight in one direction. The locking mechanism, such as a ratchet and pawl, can be employed to lift the load from the vessel at optimum periods of wave movement. Load direction sensing devices prevent attempted lift of the load as the vessel falls.

Abstract: A suspension system for the operator compartment of a mine vehicle suitable for working in underground mines having low head room. A pair of vertically extending guide tracks are rigidly secured to a frame member of the mine vehicle. Each of the track members has associated with it a roller bracket constructed so that all moving contact between the roller bracket and the guide track which guides it is a rolling contact. Each roller bracket includes a projecting stud member of substantial construction which passes through an opening in the rear wall of the operator compartment, the two stud members providing the only points of support for the operator compartment. The operator compartment normally rests on and slides over the floor of the mine and by this arrangement is free to move vertically up and down as the elevation of the mine floor changes or when the bottom of the operator compartment encounters obstacles or debris on the mine floor.

Abstract: A tank with a circular horizontal cross-section, which expands and contracts in service, a tank support element on the tank and above the tank bottom extending horizontally around the tank and having a flat horizontal surface, a support base on which the tank support element flat horizontal surface rests in radial slidable contact, a horizontal collar member having a vertical or sloped circular face, a horizontal ring member having a vertical or sloped circular face, either the collar member or the ring member is joined to the tank and the other of the collar member or the ring member is joined to the support base, and the collar member vertical or sloped face is located around the ring vertical or sloped face, and restraining apparatus which prevents lateral movement of the tank when empty and at nonservice temperature.