An energy-absorbing structure for a tether line includes a helical spring and a first connector for securing a first end of the helical spring to a first fastener (such as a support cable section, an eye bolt or an eye nut). The first connector has an externally threaded portion for threadedly receiving the first end of the helical spring. A sleeve is provided on the connector, extending over at least part of the first end of the helical spring and the external threaded portion of the connector, for retaining the helical spring on the connector. Additionally or alternatively, the connector includes a tapered portion extending from the inner end of the externally threaded portion.

An energy-absorbing structure for a tether line includes a helical spring and a first connector for securing a first end of the helical spring to a first fastener (such as a support cable section, an eye bolt or an eye nut). The first connector has an externally threaded portion for threadedly receiving the first end of the helical spring. A sleeve is provided on the connector, extending over at least part of the first end of the helical spring and the external threaded portion of the connector, for retaining the helical spring on the connector. Additionally or alternatively, the connector includes a tapered portion extending from the inner end of the externally threaded portion.

A cable comprising a plurality of fiber composite tensioning elements (1,2) having different mechanical properties into the same bundle wherein at least one of the tensioning elements (1,2) has a different size and shape from the other tensioning elements (1,2) into the same bundle.

A cable comprising a plurality of fiber composite tensioning elements (1,2) having different mechanical properties into the same bundle wherein at least one of the tensioning elements (1,2) has a different size and shape from the other tensioning elements (1,2) into the same bundle.

Disclosed are systems for securing a bend stiffener to a riser in an offshore energy production facility. In one system, the lower end of the bend stiffener has a magnet that repels a magnet in a clamp on the riser a distance below the bend stiffener. The magnets repel one another with a force during operation to decelerate falling and prevent contact between the clamp and the bend stiffener. Methods are provided for retrofitting a riser system by adding the magnets. In another system, the riser has an upper portion and a tapered portion immediately below the upper portion. The outer diameter of the tapered portion increases such that the tapered portion can be friction fit into the lower end of the bend stiffener in the event that the bend stiffener is forced down or free falls onto the riser.

Magnet-assisted automatic locking mechanisms for use on a sailboat are disclosed herein. One such mechanism includes: a housing having an internal space and configured to receive a slug that moves along a path through the housing, the slug being operably connected to the halyard, the housing including a first housing side and a second housing side coupled to one another; first and second flippers rotatably disposed in the housing, the first and second flippers configured to rotate between at least a cocked position in which the slug is inserted into the housing, a locked position in which a surface of the first and second flippers receive the slug and impede the slug from exiting the housing along the path, wherein the halyard is tensioned in the locked position, and a neutral position in which the first and second flippers allow movement of the slug; and a magnet assembly configured to effect rotation of the first and second flippers.

A cable splice for overhead power transmission lines includes a flexible housing. A first casing is positioned in the flexible housing. The first casing is configured to receive and retain a first conductor. A second casing is positioned in the flexible housing. The second casing is configured to receive and retain a second conductor. A connecting member is connected to the first casing and the second casing. The first casing is moveable relative to the second casing.

A cable splice for overhead power transmission lines includes a flexible housing. A first casing is positioned in the flexible housing. The first casing is configured to receive and retain a first conductor. A second casing is positioned in the flexible housing. The second casing is configured to receive and retain a second conductor. A connecting member is connected to the first casing and the second casing. The first casing is moveable relative to the second casing.

A rope gripping apparatus and methods for its use. The rope gripper has a spring acting on a cam which causes the cam to rotate about a fixed point from an open position to a closed position. When a rope is present in the apparatus the cam will contact and grip the rope when pulled in one direction, yet let the rope slide freely when pushed in the opposite direction. The cam can easily be opened for loading the rope by pressing the cam's thumb lever or by simply sliding the apparatus' channel opening and the cam against a taut rope. The cam can have two separate gripping profiles (teeth) on the peripheral edges to effectively grip a variety of rope diameters. The cam also has a retaining ridge built in which acts as a retaining wall to keep the rope retained inside of the channel during operation.

A cord-securing mechanism includes a base portion, an aperture, and a cord-securing portion coupled to the base portion. The cord-securing portion includes at least a pair of cord-retaining surfaces that oppose one another and are spaced apart by a cord-receiving slot. When used in combination with a cord, the cord-securing mechanism may assist with setting a position of the cord and with impeding the cord from returning to a default position.