Abstract: A connector having a male component and a female component. The male component has a first tubular section, a second tubular section, and a midsection between the first tubular section and the second tubular section. The female component is connected to the second tubular section of the male component upon relative rotational movement between the male component and the female component and disconnected from the second tubular section of the male component upon relative rotational movement between the male component and the female component in a direction opposite to the direction when the male component and the female component are being connected. The female component has a bearing surface bearing against the midsection of the male component in a first position of the bearing surface and is spaced from the midsection of the male component in other positions of the female component.

Abstract: Adapter (27) of an agricultural implement, having a first, cylindrically contoured section (27a), the external diameter of which is designed to couple the agricultural implement to a US quick-hitch attachment system of an agricultural support vehicle, and having a second, spherically contoured section (27b), the external diameter of which is designed to couple the agricultural implement to a European lower-link attachment system of an agricultural support vehicle.

Abstract: A constant velocity housing is provided to couple a plunging CV joint with a transaxle. The constant velocity comprises an elongate housing configured to retain the plunging CV joint and a splined shaft configured to engage with a transaxle. A locking system removably retains the splined shaft within the transaxle. The locking system comprises a lock pin in mechanical communication with pins slidably retained within radial holes disposed in the splined shaft underneath a snap-ring. An actuator moves the lock pin to push the pins to operably change a diameter of the snap-ring. When the actuator is loosened, the snap-ring constricts to a diameter less than the diameter of the splined shaft, allowing removal of the splined shaft from the transaxle. When the actuator is fully tightened, the snap-ring assumes a diameter greater than the diameter of the splined shaft, such that the spline shaft remains engaged with the transaxle.

Abstract: A connector having a male component and a female component. The male component has a first tubular section, a second tubular section, and a midsection between the first tubular section and the second tubular section. The female component is connected to the second tubular section of the male component upon relative rotational movement between the male component and the female component and disconnected from the second tubular section of the male component upon relative rotational movement between the male component and the female component in a direction opposite to the direction when the male component and the female component are being connected. The female component has a bearing surface bearing against the midsection of the male component in a first position of the bearing surface and is spaced from the midsection of the male component in other positions of the female component.

Abstract: A helmet mount includes a latching plate defining a latching opening with wide and narrow portions and a notch. A latching spring below the latching plate urges a spring portion against the wide portion. The shaft of a first pin on an accessory mount is sized to fit in the narrow portion while its widened head only fits through the wide portion. The spring portion engages the widened head and prevents sliding within the narrow portion. The shaft of a second pin slides within the notch with its widened head preventing removal. A wedge may be slid against the spring to retract the spring portion allowing removal of the first pin. Electrical contacts on the helmet mount may engage electrical contents on the accessory mount to supply power to an accessory such as night-vision goggles.

Abstract: A quick-release tool connecting rod is provided, including: a rod body, a quick-release mechanism and a second sleeve member. The rod body includes an inner space extending in an axial direction and a through hole communicated with the inner space. The quick-release mechanism includes a push rod received within the inner space, a locking member disposed within the through hole and a first sleeve member sleeved to the rod body. The first sleeve member is movable relative to the rod body in the axial direction to drive the push rod to move. The second sleeve member is co-movably sleeved to the first sleeve member, and the first sleeve member is partially embedded within an inner peripheral wall of the second sleeve member. The first sleeve member has a first hardness, and the second sleeve member has a second hardness which is smaller than the first hardness.

Abstract: An adapter for releasably connecting a loading unit to a handle assembly includes a proximal drive shaft, a distal drive shaft, and a shear pin connecting the proximal drive shaft to the distal drive shaft. The proximal drive shaft includes proximal and distal portions. The proximal portion of the proximal drive shaft is configured for releasable connection to the handle assembly. The distal drive shaft includes proximal and distal portions. The distal portion of the distal drive shaft being configured for releasable connection to the loading unit. The shear pin is configured to rotationally fix the proximal drive shaft to the distal drive shaft and is configured to fracture to permit rotation of the proximal drive shaft independent of rotation of the distal drive shaft when a predetermined torque is applied to the distal drive shaft.

Abstract: A locking device includes an outer portion and an inner portion. The outer portion has a bore formed at least partially axially therethrough and a channel formed laterally therethrough. The inner portion is positioned at least partially within the bore. A first link is positioned at least partially outside of the outer portion and coupled to the inner portion through the channel. A second link is coupled to the outer portion. A pin is coupled to the first link and the second link. The locking device is in an unlocked state when the inner portion is fully positioned within the bore, and the locking device is in a locked state when an end of the inner portion extends axially out of the bore.

Abstract: An implant for insertion into a disc space between vertebrae, wherein the implant includes a spacer portion, a plate portion coupled to the spacer portion, two bone fixation elements for engaging the vertebrae and a retention mechanism for preventing the bone fixation elements from postoperatively backing-out of the plate portion. The retention mechanism may be in the form of a spring biased snapper element that is biased into communication with the bone fixation elements so that once the bone fixation element advances past the snapper element, the snapper element is biased back to its initial position in which the snapper element interfaces with the bone fixation elements. Alternatively, the retention mechanism may be in the form of a propeller rotatable between a first position in which the bone fixation elements are insertable to a second position where the bone fixation elements are prevented from backing-out.

Abstract: A work-tool mounting mechanism detachably attaches a predetermined work tool that includes an engaged portion including an engagement hole. The mechanism includes: an engaging portion that engages the engaged portion and includes; a lever that is rotatably attached to the engaging portion; a lock pin that is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the lock pin being inserted into the engagement hole in the locked position, and not inserted into the engagement hole in the unlocked position; and a linking tool that moves the lock pin between the locked position and the unlocked position with a rotation of the lever. The linking tool includes a regulating portion that regulates the lock pin at the locked position from moving to the unlocked position.

Abstract: Provided is a leg retention clip for a leg of a tripod and a tripod assembly that includes the leg retention clip. The leg retention clip can be inserted inside a hollow-out inside of a first leg section with slots/holes which output protruding edges of the leg retention clip. When a second leg section is fitted over the first leg section, the protruding edges of the leg retention clip can stop movement of the second leg section and help lock the second leg section in place with respect to the first leg section. If the leg of the tripod includes more than two leg sections, the leg can be provided with multiple leg retention clips.

Abstract: A system for connecting an implement to a machine. A universal adapter to connect implements with machines. A frame with brackets on one side to couple to lift arms and tilt operators on a machine such as an earthmoving vehicle. Brackets on the other side of the frame to detachably couple to the implement. A locking mechanism on the frame with operative handles to engage locking pins on the adapter with the implement between a release and locked position.

Abstract: The invention provides a quick-locking union connector. A sealing groove is arranged on the outside peripheral surface of a male inner sleeve to retain an o-ring seal. Close contact of the o-ring seal with the inside peripheral surface of a female outer sleeve leads to a robust sealing effect. The female outer sleeve is provided with a bore slot that penetrates through the inside peripheral surface, in an outside-to-inside manner. A locking unit rotates within the bore slot to quickly lock and unlock the engaged interior male unit and exterior female unit. Locked connection of pipes via obstructing protrusion of the locking unit into an annular locking groove can be readily and quickly executed, facilitating accelerated deployment of pipe networks.

Abstract: A loading unit and retention band assembly including a shell and a retention band. The shell has a proximal end portion that defines an engagement window and that includes an annular surface. The retention band is disposed radially about the annular surface of the proximal end portion and includes a resilient body having first and second ends. The first end includes a resilient lock that is configured to extend through the engagement window of the proximal end portion of the shell. The resilient lock is dimensioned to releasably engage a surgical instrument.

Abstract: A display panel includes a frame and a plurality of panels. Each of the panels is attached to the frame by a first spring-latch. The first spring latch is configured to switch between a fastened position and an unfastened position by pressing the panel towards the frame and releasing the panel.

Abstract: A shaft coupling device includes a first portion, a second portion, a pair of buttons, a biasing member, and at least one button stop. The first portion has a female couple section and a first device mounting section. The second portion has a male couple section and a second device mounting section. The male couple section is configured so as to be receivable within the cavity of the female couple section. The biasing member, the button stop, and at least a portion of the first and second buttons are disposed within the second cavity of the male couple section, with the biasing member disposed between the buttons, biasing the buttons radially outwardly. The button stop limits the radially inward travel of the buttons.

Abstract: On a motorized vehicle with handlebars and handlebar mounted levers, a device includes a collar or clamp on which a thumb lever and catch slide in a groove to a desired position and are restrained by a notch, detent, slot, or other disruption in the groove to retain a handlebar lever in a desired position. Preferably, the thumb and catch are biased toward a disengaged position by a spring, by gravity, or by electro mechanical means. Spacers, additions, and handlebar extensions can all be provided with the device to allow for installation on a variety of handlebar sizes. In another embodiment, the thumb lever pivots about an axis generally perpendicular from the handlebar axis between a disengaged positon where the catch is clear from the clutch or brake lever and an engaged position where the catch engages the clutch or brake lever and holds it in a retracted position.

Abstract: A connector comprises a base, a gate, and a locking mechanism. The base forms an opening. The gate is slidably operatively connected to the base and spans the opening. The locking member has an engaging position and a releasing position. The engaging position secures the gate to the base, and the releasing position allows the gate to be moved relative to the base.

Abstract: A work machine includes a main pole internally including a rotation shaft, a tool unit located at one end of the main pole, and a power unit located at another end of the main pole. The main pole includes a first partial pole, a second partial pole and a joint member that joints them to each other. The first partial pole includes a positioning member. The joint member includes a positioning hole configured to engage with the positioning member and a guide groove extending from the positioning hole. The guide groove is configured to guide the positioning member to the positioning hole and to allow the positioning member to escape in at least a section thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for a quick release of a second object from a first object, e.g., quick release of hurricane panels (second object) from the inside of a habitable structure (first object). A stepped quick release bolt assembly or a dual quick release car assembly may be employed. In the preferred embodiment, a pin passing through a cross bored hole in a stepped bolt disposed in a receiving structure attached to a first object is releasable in order to disconnect the second object from the first object.

Abstract: Coupling mechanisms for engaging and releasing a tool attachment such as a socket from a drive element include an engaging element and an actuating element. The actuating element can include a collar or other manually-accessible part, and various features allow for a relatively small outside diameter for the collar or other part. These features include configuring the actuating element to contact the engaging element within the drive element, placing the biasing elements within the drive element, and forming guides for parts of the actuating element within the drive element. Also, the engaging element can move along a direction that is oriented at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the drive element, in whole or in part. The engaging element can have a first part that moves obliquely in the drive element and a second part that moves radially in the drive element to engage the tool attachment.

Abstract: A coupler or connector for joining bars, for example reinforcing bars, comprising an elongate rod member adapted to be inserted into a tubular sleeve member. The rod and sleeve members each have one or more transverse holes which align when the rod member is inserted into the sleeve member. In operational use, the rod and sleeve members are attached to the free ends of the bars to be connected. One or more transverse pins are then driven into the holes which are aligned in order to lock the rod and sleeve member together thereby connecting the bars. In another example of the invention, the pins can be spring loaded and/or the elongate rod member is adapted to be inserted into a pair of opposed sleeve members. In yet another example of the invention, there can be a plastic sleeve adapted to retain the pins in position thereby locking in place the sleeve and rod members.

Abstract: A connector includes a first portion having a shank defining an axis and a pair of flanges defining a receiving space therebetween, the pair of flanges extending from the shank substantially perpendicular to the axis. A second portion of the connector is movable relative to the first portion along the axis between a first position and a second position corresponding to a first configuration and a second configuration of the connector. The second portion includes at least one lobe that does not extend into the receiving space between the pair of flanges of the first portion when the connector is in the first configuration. The at least one lobe extends into the receiving space between the pair of flanges of the first portion when the connector is in the second configuration. The connector can be part of a mounting arrangement for mounting a component to a bracket.

Abstract: A connector comprises a base, a gate, and a locking mechanism. The base forms an opening. The gate is slidably operatively connected to the base and spans the opening. The locking member has an engaging position and a releasing position. The engaging position secures the gate to the base, and the releasing position allows the gate to be moved relative to the base.

Abstract: A securement device is provided for securing articles such as collapsed shipping racks together for maintaining their stability and alignment. The device includes a tether that is connectable between adjacent shipping racks to secure the racks together, and that provides a clear visual indication that the racks are secured. A securement device affixed to a collapsible shipping rack may further comprise a bracket member and upper and lower pin members coupled to the bracket member, with the tether having first and second opposite end portions and the first end portion of the tether being coupled to one of the upper and lower pin members, and the second end portion being releasably attachable to another securement device of another collapsible shipping rack adjacently stacked relative to the first collapsible shipping rack.

Abstract: A article of survival equipment for wear by the user comprising a weaved cord portion, a shackle, a tongue and a pin. The shackle is coupled to one end of the cord portion and further includes two apertures disposed at opposing ends of the shackle adapted to receive a pin. The tongue is coupled to the other end of the cord portion and is disposed between the ends of the shackle. The tongue further includes a plurality of apertures for receiving the pin. The pin extends substantially between the shackle apertures when inserted in the shackle and the tongue.

Abstract: A connection mechanism between two components may use one or more metallic pins that are magnetically extended when the components are engaged, and a sloped groove that retracts and unlocks the pins when the components are rotated. The components are locked in place by the pins during engagement. Disengagement may be performed by rotating the two components with respect to each other. The connection mechanism may include one or more magnets mounted on either or both components. The magnets may be arranged to attract the components when the components are in the locking orientation and to repel the components when the components are rotated to an unlocked position. The connection mechanism may include electrical connections between the components.

Abstract: A quick-release fixing structure for a fender of a bicycle is provided with a mounting member fixed to the front fork, an engaging member fixed on the fender, and a U-shaped control member. The mounting member is formed with an elastic piece, a receiving cavity, and two penetrating holes which have two cutting grooves in communication with the receiving cavity and the penetrating holes. The engaging member is received in the receiving cavity of the mounting member and formed with two arc-shaped cutting grooves for mating with the arc-shaped cutting grooves of the mounting member. The control member is inserted in the penetrating holes and formed with two arc-shaped grooves. The quick-release fixing structure is capable of assembling the fender onto the front fork of bicycle or disassembling it therefrom by a simple pressing operation.

Abstract: A universal attachment device for attaching accessories to machinery featuring a center bar having a beveled first end; a base platform attached to the second end of the center bar, the base platform being generally perpendicular to the center bar; side braces disposed on each the first side of the center bar, the second side of the center bar, and the top side of the center bar, the braces are also attached to the front surface of the base platform; a generally hollow and generally trapezoidal attachment sleeve for removably attaching to the center bar via an attachment means, wherein a first slot is disposed in the back adapted to receive the first end of the center bar; brace platforms disposed on the back surface of the base platform near the first and second sides; and one or more lug components disposed on the front surface of the base platform.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-locking hitch pin for joining a hitch device to a receiver hitch in a quick and easy manner using a single, self-contained mechanism. The hitch pin is comprised of shaft with a locking member on one end and a handle and weight on the other end and a spring and retainers to keep the hitch pin in place. The self-locking hitch pin allows for single-handed installation and securing of a hitch device to a receiver hitch with no pin or locking mechanism to be lost or dropped. The self-locking hitch pin can be inserted into the hitch orifice, have pressure applied to the spring, rotate the hitch pin allowing gravity to engage the locking member and then release pressure on the spring coupling both devices together.

Abstract: A connection mechanism between two components may use one or metallic pins that are magnetically extended when the components are engaged, and a sloped groove that retracts and unlocks the pins when the components are rotated. The components are locked in place by the pins during engagement. Disengagement may be performed by rotating the two components with respect to each other. The conncection mechanism may include one or more magnets mounted on either or both components. The magnets may be arranged to attract the components when the components are in the locking orientation and to repel the components when the components are rotated to an unlocked position. The connection mechanism may include electrical connections between the components.

Abstract: A pop-pin and a method for using the pop-pin with a weight-training machine to perform mixed-weight sets of exercise are disclosed. A pop-pin having a spring loaded into an unstable equilibrium position can be inserted into a weight stack to select a weight and vertical guide bar while another conventional pin is inserted into the same weight stack and the vertical guide bar at a position above the pop-pin. A user can then operate the weight-training machine, at which point the spring on the pop-pin is dislodged from the unstable equilibrium position and presses on the weight plate into which it is inserted. When the weight stack is lowered, thus reducing the load of weight on the pop-pin, the force of the spring pressing against the weight plate ejects the pop-pin from the weight plate. At this point, the user can continue the exercise with the smaller stack.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening device for installing a hatrack on a substructure of a means of locomotion, wherein the fastening device comprises a pre-locking device and a main locking device. In this arrangement the pre-locking device is designed for automatic provisional affixation of the hatrack to the fastening device when the hatrack during an installation movement of the hatrack is moved in the direction to the fastening device. The main locking device is designed for final affixation of the hatrack to the fastening device.

Abstract: A safety device used in combination with a child seat assembly is provided to solve the problems about complicated structure and risk for the children. The safety device includes a bracket, a first wing and a second wing pivotally connected to the head portion of the bracket, a flexible piece cooperating the first and second wings, a locking piece releasably engaged with the first and second wings. When one of the wings is pivotally rotated, both of the wings will be synchronously rotated to a vertical or horizontal state.

Abstract: Provided are: a first entry preventing nail that interferes with a cartridge at a position closer to an insertion/extraction port than an insertion completed position of an insertion-side end face of the cartridge inserted first; a second entry preventing nail at a position with a space from the first entry preventing nail slightly longer than length of the cartridge, which allows entry of the cartridge and retreat of the first entry preventing nail at that position when a tapered face of the cartridge is at that position while preventing the entry of the cartridge and retreat of the first entry preventing nail at that position when the tapered face of the cartridge is not at that position; and a linkage module which allows advancing and retreating actions of the first and second entry preventing nails in a tradeoff relation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-locking hitch pin for joining a hitch device to a receiver hitch in a quick and easy manner using a single, self-contained mechanism. The hitch pin is comprised of shaft with a locking member on one end and a handle and weight on the other end and a spring and retainers to keep the hitch pin in place. The self-locking hitch pin allows for single-handed installation and securing of a hitch device to a receiver hitch with no pin or locking mechanism to be lost or dropped. The self-locking hitch pin can be inserted into the hitch orifice, have pressure applied to the spring, rotate the hitch pin allowing gravity to engage the locking member and then release pressure on the spring coupling both devices together.

Abstract: A connection apparatus for connecting an earthen formation to a concrete facing of a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure. The connection apparatus may include a soil reinforcing element configured to be coupled to a facing anchor having a pair of longitudinally extending portions connected by a transverse member, wherein the soil reinforcing element may be inserted into an opening created by the pair of longitudinally extending portions, seated near or adjacent to the transverse member, and be secured therein by means of a clasp. The connection apparatus allows the soil reinforcing element to swivel in at least one horizontal plane, thus being capable of avoiding obstructions in the MSE mass.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a mechanical ball joint assembly which is particularly useful in finishing tools. The finishing tools may be used, for example, to prepare drywall surfaces for decorating and/or painting. The mechanical ball joint assembly may allow a body casting of the finishing tool to rotate in almost any direction with respect to ball joint and handle portion of the finishing tool. As a result, the body casting may be used to perform work on the drywall at many different angles, including ninety degree angles at the corners of most rooms. An opening in the ball joint assembly of the finishing tool may secure a ball joint portion by, for example, a moveable securing rod having an indentation. The movable securing rod of the ball joint assembly may allow the user to temporarily secure the ball joint within the opening of the ball joint assembly. The movable securing rod is spring-loaded to secure the ball joint within the opening of the ball joint assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool which has more than one function. As a first function, the tool is capable of activating a fastening element, either by direct physical contact or by remote activation. As a second function, the tool is capable of detecting an attribute of the fastening element. The attribute can include position or location of the fastening element, status of the fastening element, identity of the fastening element, environmental factors affecting the fastening element, size of the fastening element, sequence in which the fastening element must be activated, history of the fastening element, authorization requirements in relation to the fastening element, or activation requirements of the fastening element.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for connection between a drive shaft and an impeller in a molten metal pump. The coupling assembly includes an upper portion to receive an end of the motor drive shaft and a lower portion to receive an end of the impeller shaft. The impeller shaft is pinned to the lower portion with a pin member which extends through first and second apertures in the lower portion of the coupling body. The pin member includes a handle portion, a driver member, and a stop. The driver member has an elongated configuration sized and shaped to pass through the first aperture of the coupling member. In application, once the impeller shaft is positioned in the coupling body, the pin member is passed through the apertures such that the driver member passes through the second aperture until the stop is in abutting relationship with the coupling member outer surface.

Abstract: A coupler for an excavator, the coupler comprising a body having first and second recesses for receiving first and second pins, respectively, of an attachment; a latching member movable into and out of a latching state in which it at least partially closes said second pin-receiving recess; and a blocking member movable into and out of a blocking state in which a portion of the blocking member at least partially closes said first recess, actuating means for moving said first latching member into and out of said latching state, said actuating means acting indirectly upon said blocking member to move said blocking member into and out of its blocking state as the latching member is moved into and out of its latching state. Preferably the actuating means acts upon said blocking member via a resiliently deformable member acting between the actuating means and the blocking member whereby said resilient member can deflect should the blocking member be obstructed to avoid excessive loading on the actuating means.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing first and second ends of a meter sealing ring, the meter sealing ring adapted for use in installing a meter to a watthour meter box. The apparatus comprises a lock having a head member and a shank portion comprising moveable locking members, the shank portion being insertable through an aperture formed in the first end of the sealing ring. The apparatus further comprises at least a retaining sleeve adapted to capture the shank portion, wherein the lock is retained on the first end of the sealing ring.

Abstract: A cam-bolt assembly includes a latch handle having a cam portion having first and second cam arms. A hinge pin slides through an aperture created through the cam arms and includes a threaded aperture. A clamp rod has a threaded portion engaged with the threaded aperture and opposed washer engagement flats each having a pin receiving bore aligned perpendicular to the flats. A pivot washer is rotatably connected by a pivot pin received through the pin receiving bore and is rotatable from a first position having the pivot washer coaxially aligned with a clamp rod longitudinal axis to a second position transverse to the first position. The pivot washer rotates from the first to the second position in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The pivot washer is retained in the second position by horizontal displacement in a direction transverse to the clamp rod longitudinal axis after rotation.

Abstract: A quick-connect mounting apparatus used to join a drive mechanism to a driven mechanism is disclosed. The disclosed invention is particularly useful when the drive mechanism and the driven mechanism have rotatable members that must be joined together for proper operation.

Abstract: A toolholder connector having one threaded end and one end with a male quick change portion is threadingly engaged with a first toolholder having a threaded bore. The quick change connector also has a male quick change portion that is engaged within a side activated receiver of a second toolholder. Prior to activating the receiver, an alignment pin associated with the first toolholder is lined up with alignment slot associated with the second toolholder such that when the two are brought together, a pre-determined radial alignment will be retained.

Abstract: A non-removable safety pin (20) for an excavator coupler for securing a latching hook thereof. The safety pin (20) comprises a head (26), a shaft (24), a distal end (22) and a longitudinal axis starting at the head (26), extending along the shaft (24) and terminating at the distal end (22), wherein either or both of the shaft (24) and the distal end (22) are keyed so as to have an element thereon that extends relative to a side of the shaft. The element prevents removal of the safety pin from a hole (36) in which the safety pin (20) is inserted.

Abstract: A connecting member includes a housing, a moving element slidably disposed within the housing and having an exposed portion exposed to the outer environment via the housing, an elastic element disposed between the movable element and an inner surface of the housing and biasing the movable element to position the movable element in a first position, at least one stopper disposed on the exposed portion and having an angle with respect to the housing, and a casing disposed on the housing. When the movable element is moved to a second position, the stopper deforms elastically and is received in the casing. When the casing and the housing pass through the connecting holes, the movable element is released and moved to the first position and the stopper escapes from the casing and abuts the soft substrate, whereby the device and the soft substrate are held between the stopper and the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a positioning mechanism (1) for releasably fixing at least one position of a positioning means (3) which can be displaced more or less linearly relative to positioning means (2) fixedly connected to a structure (45), e.g. a shoe, which provides a mount for at least one displaceable coupling means (9) which engages under the action of a spring system (39) in a female coupling part (20) of the positioning means (2) connected to the structure (45) in a position which fixes the position of the positioning means (2, 3) relative to one another.

Abstract: A mechanically releasable shackle pin arrangement that is readily operated by an ROV and is not affected by the hydrostatic pressures encountered at depth. A shackle body having two ends has a shackle pin received through bores at one end of the shackle body. A shackle nut threaded on the shackle pin secures the shackle pin in an installed position through the bores in the shackle body. An anti-rotation link plate is attached to the shackle body. The anti-rotation link plate extends to one end of the side plate. The shackle pin extends through bores at one end of the shackle body and the anti-rotation link plate and is secured in its installed position by a shackle nut threaded on the shackle pin. Means for preventing rotation of the shackle nut and loss of the shackle nut is provided on the anti-rotation link plate such that the shackle pin can be removed by a remotely operated tool on an ROV at depth to release a load without the need for hydraulics on the shackle assembly.

Abstract: A knuckle joint locking and release mechanism for a power tool having a locking mode where relative articulation between two body portions of the power tool is prevented and a release mode where relative articulation between the two body portions of the power tool is unhindered. The knuckle joint locking and release mechanism is biased into the locking mode but can be placed into the release mode by engaging an actuator pushbutton located on either side of the knuckle joint.