Mastech Anchor Release (Help)

[Scurvysailor]

Picked this expensive looking patented Mastech Anchor Release system yesterday at Sausalito Marine Swap. It's a release that allows the pull to go from the stock to the elbow trip hole when the anchor fouls. I'm pretty good at finding most any kind of data on the net, but tell you what, this here product is about as hard to uncover information on as anything I've ever searched. If you know anything about this thing or it's seemingly non-existent or fictitious manufacturer, please enlighten us. Here is the single image I've found on the net in over two hours of searching (Google Images):

http://thumbs2.ebaystatic.com/m/mKc8...lkqVAQ/140.jpg

Thank you in advance for any evidence that there were more than two prototypes made... the one on the net, and the one in my possession.

[Faster]

Did you see this?

Anchor freedom
Anyone who drops the hook in coral or rocks knows how often the anchor gets hung up and how difficult it sometimes is to free it. Efforts can prove fruitless and can also damage coral.
Mastech industries has introduced Ankorex to solve both problems. It consists of a special shackle and sleeve that can change the point of pull from the anchor's shank to its crown. If your anchor is stuck, you simply snap the sleeve onto the anchor line or chain and let it slide down to the anchor. It engages the Ankorex shackle, which replaces the standard shank shackle and is connected to the crown with a short length of chain. A tug on the sleeve's line releases the shackle, changing the point of pull to the crown - backward, away from the snag.
There are two versions - one for boats up to 45 feet ($149) and one for boats up to 75 feet ($349). They work on all types of anchors and are made of 316 stainless steel. For information, contact Mastech Industries, 1-800-788-8887.

Found it in this link: (bottom half of page)
Closed-cooling System Will Help Fend Off Salt Water, Other Corrosives - Orlando Sentinel

[Scurvysailor]

Incredible sleuthing! I owe you a beer! Thank you!

[Faster]

Originally Posted by Scurvysailer

Incredible sleuthing! I owe you a beer! Thank you!

You're welcome.... and btw - only a Canadian beer will do!

[Scurvysailor]

Will keep the beer requirement in mind when we meet someday, thanks.

Through that info, I was able to get the name of the out of production product, and it's very similar European counterpart "Anchorwitch", but still, almost nothing on the original Mastech Ankorex product. Anyone with additional input, like how many boats ended up on the rocks using this thing, please chime in. I have more beer...

[Scurvysailor]

Found some more print on this thing... indeed it is rare, and indeed, well made:

"Ankorex , extracts any stuck anchor easily
A very rare item. Works with any anchor. If your anchor is stuck, simply
send the orange messenger collar down the anchor rode, it keys into
beautiful 316 stainless steel anchor shackle (the Ankorex is load rated to
10,500 lbs). The shackle then transfers the rode pull from the shank to the
crown of the anchor. This backs the stuck anchor out with ease.
I needed the Ankorex after an appendectomy, when the doctor said I couldn't
lift heavy objects. This allowed me to sail for the summer. I have two of
them. You are bidding on buying one. The winning bidder will have his
choice of the one that is new and in the box, or the one that is set up and
ready to use, with cable, shackle & chain. The used one is in excellent
condition and almost indistinguishable from the new one. This is a really
well made product. If you want both Ankorexes, I will accept ¾ of the
winning bid for the second Ankorex.
The shipping weight is 8 lbs. Rated for 10,500 lbs
The original price was $189."

Still seeking any user or manufacturer information on this anchor puller.

[Scurvysailor]

More results... the big kahoona here:

http://www.anchorwitch.com/pdf/05.pdf

Here's mine:

[Faster]

Good perseverance!