Abstract: A suspension apparatus is provided for interposition between a support structure, such as a crane, and a vibratory device, such as a vibratory ram. The apparatus includes a sling element having two first ends spaced apart in the direction of pull, with one of the first ends suspended from the support structure and the other first end holding the vibratory device. The sling element also has two second ends, which second ends are spaced apart in a direction transverse of the pulling direction. A resiliently distortable damping element is interposed between the two second ends, and serves to dampen oscillations produced when the suspension apparatus is subjected to vibratory loading of the first ends.

Abstract: A gripping arrangement includes a gripping member operatively connected with a differential both-side acted piston movable in a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. The piston stroke includes a first step and a second step. The pressure acted upon the piston to move the same into the respective gripping position is partially counteracted at the first step so as to eliminate an undesirably fast movement of the gripping member during at least initial portion of the stroke. The remaining portion of the stroke the piston moves under full pressure exerted by the pressure medium supplied in the cylinder without any counteracting effect.