Abstract: A system for tuning a piano or a similar instrument comprises a metal assembly 44 or unit 50, preferably cast iron, composite, zinc or alloy material containing lubricating elements, and tuning pins 10. The pin 10 may have a recessed portion 14 surrounded by a sleeve 30 preferably of bronze or brass to assist and protect the pin when being tuned. The pin 10 has a radial head 12 which seats into a complementary radial bore 31 within aperture 26 allows the pin 10 to rotate about and swivel across its axis 24. The pin 10 and sleeve 30 are held in the assembly 44 or unit 50 under compression from lockscrew 34 bearing down upon the flat head 32 of the pin with the pin pivoting on curved end 38 of the lockscrew 34. The tuning end is free to move within the aperture clearance 33.

Abstract: A pulling system for pulling or moving a large object, such as pulling components of an offshore oil/gas production platform onto an adjacent barge that is subsequently transported to the installation site. This pulling system incorporates a single elongated rod that is connected between the object to be moved and a puller unit that pulls the object along a track. During operation, the puller unit causes a gripping unit to grip the rod so that the puller unit can move the object. Afterwards, the gripping unit releases its engagement of the rod, repositions itself with respect to the rod, and regrips the rod so that movement of the object may again be initiated by the puller unit.