Abstract: A bollard used in vessel mooring and like operations includes a bollard drum around which the line or hawser is wrapped several times to reduce the line tension at the free length behind the drum. A cleat is provided for holding fast the free length of the hawser at the reduced tension. The hawser may be quickly released from the bollard during emergency situations by simultaneously unlatching the cleat and releasing a lock on the bollard allowing it to rotate as the hawser is pulled off and finally lifted out of the cleat.

Abstract: A multi-passage ball joint assembly for connecting a riser or similar pipe to a well pipe therebelow and adapted primarily for use in underwater installations. The ball member of the joint assembly has a main longitudinal bore or passage through which well operations may be conducted and additionally is formed with at least one other passage for conducting fluid therethrough. The housing of the joint assembly includes passageways which are in communication with the bore and passages extending through the ball member in all positions of said ball member relative to the housing whereby fluid may be conducted downwardly through the ball joint for actuating devices therebelow or for other purposes. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application which, of course, is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.