Abstract: A device that is adjustable along the length of a chain, which can serve both as a stopper and, because it includes an overcenter latch, as a tensioner to assure that the chain is taut.

Abstract: A tray (10) for receiving a plurality of fish fillets (28) in a layer for compaction and freezing in a stack of layers. The tray is formed from a sheet (18) of material having a first portion (12) joined to a second portion (14) by a flexible hinge portion (16). The first portion is formed to define a plurality of first recesses (24) and the second portion is formed to define a plurality of negative second recesses (26). A fillet is received within each of the first recesses to form a layer, the tray is folded, and an additional layer of fillets is received within the second recesses. The tray is constructed and configured to be deformed and to enable the fillets to deform within the recesses, under the force of compaction, to form separable layers of substantially separate frozen fillets.

Abstract: A hauling block 20 having a sheave 30 comprising two identical halves 32 and 34. The hauling surfaces 40 and 42 of the sheave 30 carry outwardly extending, cleat receiving pockets 54. Reinforced cleats 50 are seated in the pockets 54 and releasably fastened to the sheave 30.

Abstract: A hydraulic swivel 40 transfers pressurized hydraulic fluid from a stationary spool 50 to a housing 42 mounted for rotation relative to the spool 50. The swivel 40 also carries a drain line 64 placed in fluid communication with the spool/housing interface above and below the pressurized fluid passages so that any fluid leaking from the pressurized fluid passages will find its way to the drain and thus not to the outside of the swivel.

Abstract: A swivel device for coupling gangions to longlines and an apparatus for automatically attaching the same. The device includes a cylindrical stop sleeve fixedly attached to the longline, and a detachable swivel body with an aperture therethrough sized for rotatably receiving the sleeve therein. The body has a sidewall opening communicating with the body aperture and sized to allow lateral passage of the longline, but not the sleeve, therethrough. The body has an ear for attachment of the gangion and has depressable stops spaced apart for receiving the sleeve therebetween and restraining axial movement of the body relative to the sleeve while permitting rotational movement thereabout. The stops have axially outward facing cams which depress the stops when engaged by a tool or by a sleeve entering the body aperture.

Abstract: Method or apparatus for unwinding gangions from a longline fishing line by first wrapping all of the gangions in a first direction about the longline and thereafter unwrapping them to leave them relatively free from the longline. Wrapping and unwrapping can be accomplished by running the longline through a series of hollow cylinders having permanent magnets mounted on the interior surface. The cylinders are rotated in opposite directions. As the gangions enter the first of the cylinders, the hooks are attracted to the magnets in the rotating cylinders and are rotated about the longline so as to wind all of the gangions in a common direction. Thereafter, the hooks are attracted to the magnets in the second cylinder, which is rotating in the opposite direction, thereby unwinding the gangions. In this manner, regardless of the original wrap of the gangions about the longline, each can be completely unwrapped and left dangling from the longline.

Abstract: In a power tool for binding concrete-reinforcing bars together with a wire tie, a predetermined length of wire is fed into a pair of jaws having loop-forming grooves therein. A rotatable inner mandrel carries a cutter bar while an outer mandrel is rotatably mounted on the inner mandrel. Radial flanges on the outer mandrel form openings with the cutter bar for the passage of the wire as it is formed into a loop by the jaws. Relative rotation of the inner mandrel relative to the outer mandrel cuts the wire and then twists the cut ends into a wire tie that binds the reinforcing bar. Controls are provided for properly positioning the openings for the passage of the wire upon each successive cycle of operation.

Abstract: A plastic heat exchange tube for use in combination with large dry and wet/dry type cooling towers. The tube includes a tubular center portion around which an open ended channel portion spirals over substantially the entire length thereof, with the open end in communication with the interior of the center portion. The optimum channel portion height to pitch ratio is 1.5 to 1. A web portion extends through the center portion of the tube.