Abstract: An offshore system for petroleum production has a buoyant platform. A tendon assembly secures to the platform and extends down to a counterweight located near the lower end. A piling is embedded in the sea floor. A socket at the counterweight telescopingly slides over the upper end of the piling to prevent lateral movement of the platform. A dampening chamber is located between the socket and the piling. Ports for the chamber are arranged to allow a faster downward movement of the piling than upward movement.

Abstract: Shock absorber apparatus for mooring lines of boats and yachts includes an automotive type, double acting, telescopic shock absorber arranged in a two part, telescoping cage with attachment rings on each end for the mooring lines. Tensile forces in the lines caused by wave action or the like elongates and cage and compresses the shock absorber and minimizes force transfer to the yacht. Relaxation of the tensile force in the lines permits the unit to return to a neutral condition.

Abstract: A device for limiting the tension in a rope or the like comprises an anchorage plate (8) and a gripping unit (10) containing two piston and cylinder units (34), two gripping members (14) and a hydraulic control circuit which controls the gripping of the rope or the like in a manner dependent on the tension in the rope or the like. Tension P causes the gripping unit (10) and the anchorage plate (8) to separate, thus compressing fluid in chambers (46). This results in the double acting rams (30) biasing the gripping members (14) towards each other under the action of cams (26). If the tension rises above a threshold value the pressurized fluid trips pressure sensitive valve (54) allowing pressurized fluid to reverse reversing valve (55) thus temporarily relaxing the grip on the rope or the like.

Abstract: A hydraulic tensioning device for tensioning the rigging of a sailing vessel comprises first, second and third components which are telescopical with respect to one another. A cylinder of the first component and a piston of the second component form a first chamber, and a cylinder of the second component and a piston of the third component form a second chamber, the two chambers being in fluid flow communication with one another via a passage. The first component is connected to one part of the rigging, and the second component to another part of the rigging. The rigging is tensioned by applying tension to a rope or wire connected to the third component. In another embodiment the first component is mounted for guided displacement along a rail, the second and third components each being connected by a rope or wire to a cam cleat to limit longitudinal displacement.