Abstract: A headset for bicycle having external forks. The headset allows the use of small standard sealed radial ball bearings, and allows for easy fork replacement by removing and replacing only two screws. Ball bearings with outer and inner races are inserted into bearing bores of the head tube of a bicycle frame. A pair of internally threaded bushings insert through the bearing inner races and are drawn together by a stud. Fasteners, such as screws, insert through mounting holes in spaced-apart mounting brackets of the external forks and engage the two bushings to secure the forks to the headset.

Abstract: A steering wheel with an air bag unit having a center located behind the boss of the steering wheel. A weight member is buried within a front portion of the steering wheel core for reducing displacement of the center of gravity of the steering wheel caused by the air bag unit.

Abstract: A balancing apparatus for suppressing engine vibrations is disclosed. The balancer apparatus includes a helical drive gear that is rotatable together with the crank shaft. A first driven helical gear for is driven by the drive gear and a second driven helical gear is driven by the first driven gear. Support shafts are provided to carry each of the driven gears and a weight associated therewith. A case is provided about the driven gears and carries the support shafts.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use in a vehicle having an engine driven transmission which includes a plurality of gear ratios. The apparatus includes a sensor adapted to sense a parameter indicative of vehicle speed and responsively produce a vehicle speed signal. A downshift switch is provided to controllably produce a downshift signal. An engine speed sensor senses engine speed and responsively produces an engine speed signal. A controller is adapted to receive the vehicle speed, engine speed, and downshift signals, process the vehicle speed signal to produce a transmission control signal, produce a down shift enable value as a function of the engine speed signal, and modify the transmission control signal to correspond to a lower gear ratio in all but the lowest gear ratio when the downshift signal is received and a value responsive to the vehicle speed signal is less than the down shift enable value signal.

Abstract: There is provided a device for placing a capsule into a container, slitting the capsule to release its content, washing the capsule and that part of the device which is in direct contact with the capsule and its content for quantitatively transferring the total content into said container for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: A pair of female die parts are mounted on a table of a lower frame of a folding press for forming a folding groove. One of the female die parts is slidably adjustable on the table with respect to the other female die part by an adjusting device including pairs of first and second tapered shims. The first and second shims of each pair are slidably arranged with respect to each other. The first shims are coupled with the adjustable female die part and the second shims of each pair are coupled with an actuating member connected to a driving device for adjusting the position of the second shims with respect to the first shims.

Abstract: A knob body of a rigid resin is divided at a generally central portion thereof in front and rear directions into a first knob division portion and a second knob division portion. A button insertion tubular portion and a mounting tubular portion are formed integrally with the first knob division portion, and a shell is provided to cover the outer periphery of the knob body. The first and second knob division portions are molded separately from each other, and by doing so, the thickness can be made thin.

Abstract: Links are useful for supporting and positioning spaced apart housing relative to each other. To allow for tolerance stackup the length of the link needs to be adjustable and still be strong enough to withstand high forces. The subject adjustable link includes a first end portion removably attached to a axle structure and a second end portion attached to a ripper structure. The second end portion includes an eccentric cam which is rotatable to adjust the length of the link. When the cam is properly adjusted it is moved into contact with a locking plate on the ripper structure to prevent rotation. A spacer washer is positioned between the cam and the ripper structure to prevent disengagement of the cam from the ripper structure. This arrangement of components provides for adjusting the length of a link and provides a locking structure which will withstand the high forces in the structure.

Abstract: A control device for an internal combustion engine and a continuous variable transmission which enables well-responsible transmission control to be carried out at a proper transmission rate without increasing the transmission shock. When engine power corresponding to an engine power torque corrected amount is changeable, then an intake air flow adjusting unit is controlled in response to a corrected engine power torque corrected amount. On the contrary, when the corrected engine power torque corrected amount is not changeable, the amount corrected engine power torque corrected is restricted within a range where the engine power can be changed.

Abstract: An electrically controlled multiple ratio transmission for an automotive vehicle powertrain having a hydrokinetic torque converter with a bypass clutch, solenoid operated shift valves under the control of an electronic microprocessor that receives signals from an output shaft speed sensor, an engine speed sensor, a driver controlled drive range selector position, an engine throttle position sensor, and other powertrain operating variables, the solenoid shift valves forming a part of a simplified control valve circuit having a minimum number of shift valve elements and simplified circuit pressure modifier elements for effecting optimum pressures in fluid pressure operated servos for the transmission clutches and brakes during ratio changes, the bypass clutch having a controlled slip characteristic.

Abstract: A hydraulic control device for an automatic transmission comprises a shift valve and a control valve which are coaxially aligned in a valve chamber. The shift and control valves of a spool type control connecting states of first and second clutches of the automatic transmission, respectively. The shift and control valves are separated by a retainer having a through-hole through which a part of the control valve pushes the control valve so as to change the operating state of the control valve. The shift valve takes one of a first state where a hydraulic chamber of a first clutch is communicated with a drain port and a second state where the first clutch hydraulic chamber is communicated with a line pressure. In the first state of the shift valve, the control valve is set to control the line pressure and communicate a hydraulic chamber of a second clutch and the controlled line pressure.

Abstract: A speed change control device for an automatic transmission is shown which comprises first, second and third shift valves, each having two switching positions for selectively carrying out application and releasing of hydraulic pressure to and from an oil chamber of a hydraulically operated friction element. First and second solenoid valves are employed each controlling an output of hydraulic pressure in accordance with an electric signal applied thereto. The first solenoid valve outputs a hydraulic pressure for controlling the switching operation of the second shift valve, and the second solenoid valve outputs a hydraulic pressure for controlling the switching operation of the first shift valve. A passage structure is further employed which applies the hydraulic pressure from the second solenoid valve to the third shift valve to control the switching operation of the same only when the second shift valve assumes one given position.

Abstract: The invention is a tool for installing Hi-Lok-type fasteners consisting of a pin component having a headed end and a threaded end with a hex recess therein, and a collar component having a threaded body and a torque-off nut. The tool has a drive head in which a rotatably driven socket is supported for driving the collar component of the fastener during a fastener installation event. A tubular key holder is coaxial with the socket and rotationally fixed relative to the drive head, supporting a hex key against rotation in an axial keyway, the hex key being engageable in the pin component hex recess to hold the pin component against rotation during a fastener installation event. A retention shaft extends coaxially through the key holder, and its forward end is threadedly connected to the key to retain the key in the holder.

Abstract: A wrench structure including a wrench head having a fixed jaw, with a movable jaw arranged in a sliding confronting relationship relative to the fixed jaw is arranged, wherein the fixed and movable jaws each include mirror image confronting faces, with each face having a mirror image V-shaped recess to accommodate enhanced securement of a wrench flat complementary surface portion of an associated workpiece for grasping within the V-shaped recesses.

Abstract: An articulated wrench structure includes a plurality of link members pivotally mounted relative to one another, with a forwardmost link member of said link members having a wrench head mounted thereto, with a rearwardmost link member including a handle and socket cavities mounted thereto.

Abstract: A locking plier structure arranged to secure a shaft includes facing movable semi-cylindrical inserts mounted relative to respective fixed movable jaws of the plier structure such that the movable jaw includes fixedly mounted thereto a support shaft secured in turn to a support plate. The support shaft is optionally arranged to pivotally mount relative to the support plate permitting angular orientation of a workpiece clamped by the plier structure.

Abstract: An adjustable ratchet wrench has a housing carried by a handle. The housing has a generally cylindrical chamber which carries a control member in turn supports the jaws. The control member is connected to the handle by a ratchet assembly whose setting determines the direction in which the tool may be used to turn a workpiece. The housing also carries a cam disk that engages the jaws and opens and closes them depending upon the direction in which it is rotated. A locking mechanism is provided to prevent the jaws from opening after they have been adjusted to grip a particular workpiece in response to reactive forces on the jaws. The wrench may have a power handle to drive the workpiece.

Abstract: A universal coil cutter for reclaiming dynamo electric machines. Specifically to cut-off the end turns of the coils of stators, rotors or armatures. The coil cutter consisting of a direct drive cutter(16), spindle and motor(15) and motor driven carriages for the x-axis(22) and the y-axis(12). The above are controlled with a joystick(10) and operate in a third plane on the z-axis(21). The table (17) is used to support the stators which are being reclaimed. Adjacent to the table(17) is a carriage with base(25) and journal (27) and rotor drive motor (23). Attached thereto a rotor drive pulley(24). The rotor belt tensioner(26) takes up slack in the drive belt which loops over and around the rotor and the drive pulley(24).

Abstract: Driving means in particular for a cutting-off device with a rotationally held cutting-off tool. In order to provide the cutting-off tool with high acceleration in a simple manner, a sledge hammer (6) is provided that cooperates with an impact surface (5) arranged on a rotationally held cutting-off tool (4). Furthermore, a cam (2) is arranged on at least one driven rotating inertial body (1) for acting upon said sledge hammer, whereby said inertial body (1) is driven at an essentially constant, optionally adjustable speed.

Abstract: A dual blade band saw cutting machine which allows two individuals to work on two different objects at two separate work stations within the same machine. Through the utilization of a single variable speed motor and two overlapping triangular rotational patterns, two safe and independent work stations with large working areas, each having its own cutting band, are provided. Additional features of the cutting machine include assemblies for adjusting the tension of the cutting bands, an assembly for varying the speed of the motor, and a display for informing the individuals operating the cutting machine of the rotational speed of the cutting bands in blade feet per minute.

Abstract: A light weight guitar construction and associated method of manufacture involves the use of a light weight wood core material having deposited thereover a strengthening layer preferably of carbon fiber and a fiberglass sheet layer both impregnated with a high temperature resin. Sandwiched between the strengthening layer and fiberglass layer is a means for displaying one or more visual images. A piezoelectric crystal transducer system is used individually with each string for sensing string vibrations. An improved fret board construction is employed. In one feature of the present invention each of the frets have coupled thereto circuit runs for signal coupling.

Abstract: A hand-actuated tremolo assembly for an acoustic guitar having a mounting structure for the tremolo device is provided. The tremolo device includes a base plate which is anchored to the guitar by means of a mounting structure disposed on the inside of the sound box of the guitar, and is moveable against stationary pivots by means of an actuator disposed outside of the sound box of the guitar, on the face of tremolo device, for the purpose of varying the tension of the strings of the guitar.

Abstract: A release and arming mechanism for an ordnance device having an arming block, a pair of opposed jaws pivotally mounted to the arming block, and a solenoid that, when energized, holds the jaws in a closed position around an arming wire. A release lanyard connectable to the ordnance device is clipped to the jaws in such a manner as to hold the jaws in the closed position until such time as the ordnance device is launched. A spring may be placed between the jaws below their pivot points to force the jaws open upon disconnection of the release lanyard.

Abstract: The Invention is a muzzle brake-bullet stabilizer, cylindrical in form affixed to the end of a rifle or pistol having internally a primary exhaust stage, a transition stage and nozzle. The primary exhaust stage being adjacent to the muzzle and consisting of a limited number of exhaust port holes drilled radially into progressively smaller internal bores serving as the primary exhaust stage and muzzle brake. A metering orifice being a strait cylindrical bore section of a diameter slightly larger than that of the bullet. The nozzle being conical with the small diameter being that of the metering orifice and increasing slightly thereafter, serving to increase the velocity of the remaining exhaust gases in a manner as to stabilize the bullet in its transition to supersonic velocity of the outside air from that of a negative velocity with respect to the exhaust gases.

Abstract: A compensated barrel shroud that encloses and supports a firearm barrel provides a first portion of the shroud for receiving the barrel that extends from the firearm frame to an end of the barrel. There is a second larger inner diameter portion extending from the end of the barrel to a forwardmost outer end of the shroud. The barrel and shroud are screwed together by interengaging threads positioned adjacent the end of the barrel. The end of the shroud has a decreased diameter exit hole defining an expansion chamber within the second larger inner diameter portion. At least one slot is formed along a top surface of the second portion to allow expanding propellant gas from within the second portion to escape. The slot is sized and arranged to provide a downward thrust to the barrel shroud to compensate recoil forces generated in firing a round.

Abstract: A rapid fire mortar including an ammunition cylinder, each of whose chambers is provided at its rear end with a metal seal, of which the bottom forms a support for a round of ammunition. The seal is slidably mounted in the chamber to compensate for variations in the dimensions of the chambers and has walls which are elastically deformable by the gas pressure when firing in order to ensure gas-tightness between the chamber and a firing plate.

Abstract: A control device for hydraulic operating cylinders of a tailgate of a vehicle to determine maximum pressures arising in the operation and, particularly, overloading of the tailgate, resulting in excessive pressures. A power-driven hydraulic pump (1) is connected to a reservoir (4) and, via branch lines (8', 8"), with associated gate control valves (10, 13) which include a closing cylinder (14) for the tailgate. A pressure intensifier piston-cylinder unit (15) is connected parallel to the branch pipes. An electric pressure-sensitive switch (16), which is also connected to a counter (17) and to an interrupter switch (18) for the electric pump motor, switches off the pump motor (2) when the predetermined pressure is exceeded. This switch is connected to the closing cylinder (14) for the tailgate.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably actuating a hydraulic actuator is provided. The apparatus is connected between a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and the hydraulic actuator. The apparatus controllably provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator. The apparatus includes a controller for receiving an operating signal and a load pressure signal and responsively actuating the hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: In a rodless cylinder having a piston fitted in a cylinder body for reciprocating movement therein, and a moving member to be moved back and forth along the cylinder body in synchronism with the piston, there is provided a piping and wiring lead-out mechanism which permits the orientation in an arbitrary direction of not only the pipes of operating fluid pressure to and from pressure chambers of the cylinder but also of the lead wires of a piston position sensor switch. For these purposes, ports are opened on the lateral side, outer end and lower side of each of end plates provided at the opposite ends of the cylinder body to supply operating fluid pressure separately to a pair of pressure chambers in the cylinder. The ports to one pressure chamber are communicated with each other through passages provided in the end plate and cylinder body, while a groove is provided along an outer surface of the cylinder body for mounting a switch or switches thereon.

Abstract: A pressure medium linear unit for handling devices for industrial manufacture includes a housing block, at least one operating cylinder for at least one piston, at least one piston rod, at least one guide rod, and guide elements for at least one piston rod and at least one guide rod. The housing block accommodates the at least one operating cylinder for the at least one piston and the guide elements for the at least one piston rod and the at least one guide rod. The housing block is a modular unit and includes a guide unit and a drive unit releasably connected with the guide unit, one behind the other, to form a compact unit in the direction of linear movement. The guide rod and the piston rod are arranged in an axially parallel manner. The end of the guide rod at the end of the drive can be moved within the drive unit. If the guide rod is moved into the drive unit, the drive unit extends at least over the moved-in length of the guide rod.

Abstract: A piston for a combustion engine includes an external cylindrical body having an inner cavity. In the inner cavity is a partly spherical little-end of a connecting rod and a fluidtight shell or hemispherical dome. An edge portion of the dome is annularly connected a lower part of the cylindrical body so that the shell or dome bears on the little-end along a closed circular contact line or band during rest or minimum pressure parts of the cycle of operation. Oil is supplied under pressure and through a check valve to into an interstice between the little-end and the shell above the contact line. An upper incompressible space is provided between an outer surface of the shell and the cavity. The shell is maintained taut in operation between the little-end and an annular zone by which the edge portion is connected to the lower part of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A disposal device for disposing of spent beverage brewing substances for use with a beverage brewing apparatus. The beverage brewing apparatus is the type which uses a beverage brewing substance which is disposed in a brewing chamber and infused with a liquid to produce a brewed beverage. A drain conduit extends from the brewing chamber and communicates with the substance disposal device for removing a slurry of moist beverage brewing substance and liquid waste from the brewing chamber of the apparatus into the disposal device. The disposal device includes a housing which houses a strainer basket. The strainer basket is rotatably retained in the housing. The drain conduit from the beverage brewing apparatus deposits the spent beverage brewing substance inside of the strainer basket. The strainer basket is rotated to centrifugally remove a liquid component of the spent beverage brewing substance and drain such liquid out through a drain port in the housing.

Abstract: An improved basket for the preparation of fried food products includes a wire mesh bottom wall and three upstanding wire mesh side walls. A perforate gate is pivotally attached along the fourth side of the basket and is secured in a closed configuration by a latching arm pivotally attached to a top edge of each side wall. Handles including a grip are also attached to the top edge of the side walls and can be used for the insertion and removal of the basket containing food products from a hot oil bath. The fried food products can be gently removed from the basket and deposited onto a worktable by conveniently tilting the basket to an inclined orientation so that the latching arm disengages from the gate either by gravity or by downward pressure on a lever arm attached thereto.

Abstract: First and second semi-spherical molds are arranged for securement relative to one another in a mirror image relationship to receive and mold a popcorn ball workpiece therewithin. The first and second semi-spherical molds include respective first and second handle members that are arranged in a radially oriented relationship relative to the first and second molds and are diametrically aligned when the first and second molds are secured together.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel method of treating nuts with a compressed carbon dioxide gas so as to make them oxidation-resistant. For carrying out the method, a device is used, which can contain a compressed carbon dioxide gas and which is equipped with (i) (a) door(s) or (a) gate(s) to put nuts into and take them out of itself, (ii) (a) heater(s) to heat nuts in itself, (iii) (a) chiller(s) to chill nuts in itself, and (iv) (a) valve(s) to introduce a carbon dioxide gas into itself and release the gas out of itself. Nuts as treated by the novel method with the illustrated device are to be satisfactorily oxidation-resistant when they are stored.

Abstract: The axes of a first press roll (1) and of a second press roll (3) lie in a press plane (E). Each of the press rolls has a respective journal (2, 4). The first press roll is supported in a first bearing bracket (5). The second press roll rests in a second bearing bracket (6) which is coupled, by means of flexurally soft tie-bar groups (7a, 7b . . . , 8a, 8b . . . ), to the first bearing bracket (5). In the unloaded condition of the roll press, the second bearing bracket (6) rests on the first bearing bracket (5). In the loaded condition, however, a clearance (p) is established between the bearing brackets (5, 6), which permits the bearing brackets (5, 6) to be displaceable relative to each other in the axial direction of the press rolls.

Abstract: A franking machine is disclosed comprising a carriage manually movable along a bed and a print drum carried by the carriage to make rolling engagement with a mail item supported on the bed. A toothed rack extends along the length of the bed and gearing on the carriage meshes with the rack to drive the print drum and an impression roller carried by the carriage. The gearing is arranged such that as the carriage is moved in a forward direction along the bed, a mail item gripped between the print drum and the impression roller is fed along the bed in the reverse direction so that the length of traverse of the carriage, and the length of the bed, is less than the length of the franking impression to be printed.

Abstract: A plate lockup device position detecting apparatus for a printing press includes first and second limit switches, and a series circuit. The first limit switch is provided in a gap of a plate cylinder and detects that a leading-side plate lockup device, a position of which is adjustable at least in one of vertical and horizontal directions of a plate, is restored to its origin position. The second limit switch is provided in the gap and detects that a trailing-side plate lockup device, a position of which is adjustable at least in one of the vertical and horizontal directions of the plate, is restored to its origin position. The series circuit detects that the plate lockup devices are restored to their origin positions from a logical product of the detection outputs from the first and second limit switches.

Abstract: A tie exchanger assembly is mounted upon a truck and is used for removal and insertion of ties in a railroad roadbed. A boom is mounted to a rail clamp table which is vertically movable between an upper stored position and a lowered operable position. The boom is mounted to the center of the rail clamp support table and is rotatable 180.degree. about a vertical axis so that the boom may be used for manipulating ties on both sides of the vehicle. Rail clamps and rail engagement wheels are mounted to the underside of the rail clamp table. The boom is pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis. A tie clamp is mounted at a distal end of the boom. A self-aligning tie clamp may advantageously be used so as to clamp concrete ties or other ties with irregular or concave surfaces.

Abstract: A system and method for movement of self-propelled vehicles in-line along a rail under external control is intended to ensure safe spacing between vehicles to avoid collisions. Each vehicle is driven by its own variable speed motor. The speed of the vehicles is controlled by a stationary cam extending beside the rail. The edge of the cam rises and falls in a predetermined manner and is sensed by a cam follower on each vehicle. The cam follower is coupled to a transducer which produces a control signal for varying the vehicle speed in response to the rise or fall of the cam edge. Each vehicle pulls along a tail which extends behind the vehicle and is guided for motion alongside the edge of the cam.

Abstract: The present invention involves structurally changing an American Association of Railroads (AAR) standard 100 ton sideframe so that it is statically and dynamically capable of handling a 110 ton payload; this is accomplished by reducing two weak points on the sideframe. The first weak point is located in the sideframe upper compression member, near the vertical support column, and the second weak point is the upper portion of the area comprising the lower diagonal tension member core support hole. Stresses in the this area are reduced by gradually extending the zone where cross-sectional wall thicknesses normally experience an abrupt change. The gradual decrease in cross-sectional areas increases the static strength of the sideframe by increasing the elastic or ultimate loading limits. In the second area metallic mass is added, thereby increasing the section modulus of the sideframe near the core support hole.

Abstract: A safe has, in addition to its strong body and door and its combination lock knob and dial, a security mask that is strongly and fixedly secured to the upper side of the door over major portions of the dial, for the purpose of preventing a burglar from hammering on the dial and then driving the spindle and actuating the relockers of the safe. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an anti auto-dialer is fixedly connected to the security mask over the knob of the combination lock mechanism, to prevent operative engagement between the knob and an auto-dialer mechanism while at the same time permitting manual operation of the knob to work the combination.

Abstract: An improved process and apparatus for treating particulate soil composition to remove volatilizable organic materials therefrom comprises separating fine particles of the soil from a gaseous mixture in a drum containing the fine particles and volatilized organic material, directing the separated fine particle heat exchange apparatus, indirectly heating the fine particles therein with hot exhaust gas to volatilize organic materials, and recovering the fine particles. The hot exhaust gas for heating the fine particles in the heat exchange apparatus is obtained from a furnace used to combust volatilized organic material.

Abstract: A waste disposal system (10) which provides for the destruction of solid and liquid waste materials, through a controlled and monitored flow, from the loading of the material to be processed to the expulsion of clean nontoxic and sterile air and inert solid residue. The system includes; a waste loading module (30), a shredding module (33), an injection module (34), a first combustion chamber (40), a second combustion chamber (50), a first cooling module (60), an electrostatic module (701), a reducing catalyst module (70), an oxidizing catalyst module (80), a liquid filtering module (90), a neutralization module (100) and a second cooling module (101).

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method and apparatus for improving fluid flow and gas mixing in boilers. More particularly, this invention pertains to a method and apparatus for improved fluid flow and gas mixing in kraft recovery boilers for increased energy efficiency, reduced TRS emissions and increased capacity. The method of introducing air into a boiler furnace comprises: (a) introducing air through at least one opening located on at least a first wall of the interior of the furnace; and (b) introducing air through at least one second opening located on a second wall of the interior of the furnace opposed to the first wall at the same, or slightly different, elevations.

Abstract: An improved portable seeder particularly adapted for agricultural cultivation of seedlings is characterized in its turning plate driven by a transmission mechanism having a two-section structure including a concentrically disposed inner and outer section; and a base mount disposed under the turning plate is provided with a number of through holes in correspondence to the outer section of the turning plate so as to prevent the turning plate from getting stuck in operation by the seeds. The present seeder employs a dispelling stick which is actuated to move to and fro by the transmission mechanism; and the base mount provided with a plurality of through holes thereon is disposed under the turning plate so as to permit seeds falling under the turning plate to be expelled without getting the same stuck in operation.

Abstract: A track and slide assembly for a sailboat having a mast and a boom, the track being attached to the mast and the slides which ride along the track being each coupled to the luff of a sail. Hence, when the sail is raised on the mast, the slides ride up the track, and when lowered, the slides then ride down the track. Formed in the track along its full length is a slot which extends below the outer face of the track and has a cruciform cross section defining a major channel and a minor channel that intersects the major channel at a point below the face of the track and is at right angles to the major channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to attachments to the anticavitation plate of a boat motor for making and controlling small variations in boat speed below the normal motor idling speed to facilitate trolling for fish. The trolling speed control includes an incrementally adjustable unitary plate mounted for movement between a position fully across the normal paths of the propeller wash, thereby to slow the speed of the boat and to a fully retracted position out of the path of the propeller wash. This invention relates to motorboat low speed control devices.

Abstract: A central shaft is arranged for positioning through an opening within a vessel hull, with the central shaft including first and second collars spaced to slidably mount a second collar, wherein a first collar is positioned in adjacency relative to a first end of the shaft, with the first collar having a plurality of positioning legs pivotally mounted to the first collar, and the positioning legs each including a link pivotally mounting each positioning leg to the second collar. A central mounting web includes a pneumatic chamber for effecting a fluid-tight sealing relationship against the hull, with the mounting web including the central shaft directed therethrough, having an externally threaded portion that threadedly receives a lock collar.

Abstract: A vessel with a mooring recess on the bottom of the hull moors to a submerged buoyant mooring element anchored to the ocean bottom by hoisting the mooring element from a stowed position at a depth of net neutral buoyancy of the mooring element and its anchoring system into contact with the mooring recess. The mooring operation is completed safely, quickly, and positively by rapidly withdrawing seawater into the hull through an opening in the mooring recess so as to reduce the hydrostatic pressure acting on the top of the mooring element as the element comes into contact with the hull of the vessel. The pressure reduction is sufficient to shift the mooring element and its anchoring system from a net negative to a net positive buoyancy condition at the keel depth of the vessel. The seawater may be withdrawn by a high capacity pump that is either specifically installed for this purpose or is part of a bow thruster system of a type commonly found on large vessels.