Abstract: The invention provides a coupling assembly for coupling a tool to a dipperstick, or arm, on an apparatus which has a hydraulic system for moving the tool. The coupling assembly includes a coupler body having a frame that defines a central cavity, and also having link structure for pivotally coupling to the dipperstick. An actuator assembly positioned within the central cavity includes a latch pin that can slide between an engaged position and a retracted position. In the engaged position, an end of the latch pin projects out from a rear end of the frame for engaging a receptacle defined by the tool. In the retracted position, the end of the latch pin does not project out from the frame. A bias structure normally urges the latch pin toward the engaged position with a bias force. A hydraulic latch cylinder has a fixed part and a movable part rigidly coupled to the latch pin such that, when the movable part is extended from the fixed part, the latch pin is urged to the retracted position.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus for releasably securing a tool to the linkage of a tractor such as a backhoe. The coupling apparatus includes a second coupling element which is fixed to the lower end of the linkage and a first coupling element which is fixed to the upper end of the tool. One of the coupling elements has a generally upwardly facing first engaging surface for engaging a downwardly facing first engaging surface of the other coupling element which provides the main coupling connection between the first and second coupling elements. Each of the first and second coupling elements has a second engaging surface which is spaced from the first engaging surface. When the first and second coupling elements are brought together in a coupling mode, the second engaging surfaces engage and provide a fulcrum about which the linkage pivots relative to the tool.

Abstract: An improved quick coupler for attaching a tool to an excavator includes a body of a pair of spaced parallel plates providing structure for fixed attachment of the coupler to an end of the excavator. The plates define a first slot with an opening facing in a first direction to engage upon a first tool and a second slot with an opening facing in a second direction to engage a parallel second tool pin upon the tool. The body has a third plate between the spaced parallel plates. The coupler has a latch for securing the second pin in the second slot, the latch including a coupler gate rotatably mounted on an axis transverse to the second pin axis to pivot about the axis between a first position with the pin secured in the second slot by the gate and a second position with the gate clear of the second slot. A latch lever rotatably mounted on the coupler gate has a handle for moving the lever and a tab for engaging a third slot in the third plate.

Abstract: An integrated hydraulic quick change side tilting coupler for attaching and detaching a tool for use on wheel and track loaders and material handlers. A coupler frame is hingedly mounted at the end of the loader arm for swinging in a vertical plane actuated by the loader hydraulic system. A radius plate on the frame has an upwardly projecting curved rim adapted to engage two bearing points on the tool for mounting and dismounting the tool. A central pivot pin projects forwardly from the frame and fits a bore in the tool. The axis of the pin is on the focal point of curvature of the plate permitting pivoting of the tool and consequent side-tilting of the tool about that axis. When the frame is coupled to the tool the upper portion of the plate is locked in a retainer at the top rear of the tool. A pair of locking and tilt cylinders is mounted on the frame, their rods carrying trunions which are retracted and extended thereby.

Abstract: A stabilization system to prevent movement of tractor equipment in response to digging action of a digging bucket disposed from one end of the tractor, in which the system has a friction surface and a bracket adapted to attach the friction surface to a loader-bucket/arm unit disposed from the end of the tractor opposite the digging bucket, and the bracket includes means for disposing the surface in a horizontal, downward attitude below the loader-bucket/arm unit, to support the tractor equipment.

Abstract: An excavating device having a plurality of gouging members protruding downwardly from the bottom of an excavating bucket, and extending therefrom in the direction toward the bucket's scooping edge, the members being staggered at varying distances from the edge and bucket sides.

Abstract: Apparatus for releasably securing a materials handler to a boom while permitting rotation of the materials handler about relatively perpendicular first and second axes. A first connector system includes a member attached to a hitch extending along the second axis and having a tapered nose arranged to engage an aperture in an upwardly projecting member attached to the materials handler. A second connector system includes a recess in one of the hitch and handler having axially aligned apertures through opposite walls thereof and a projection defined by the other of the hitch and handler arranged to fit within the recess. An arm attached to the hitch for rotation relative thereto about the second axis projects towards and engages cooperating structure on the materials handler so that rotation of the arm causes the materials handler to rotate relative to the hitch about the second axis.

Abstract: A system including a hitch adapted for pivotal connection to a boom or dipperstick and including a downwardly projecting hook, and cooperating structure secured to a materials handler and having a cross-member for engaging the hook. A bearing plate secured to the body of the hitch above the hook defines a downwardly-facing bearing surface and engages an upwardly-facing bearing surface secured to the materials handler cooperating structure. In one embodiment, the hitch and materials handler are relatively rotatable about a pin assembly which both connects the relatively rotatable hitch portions and forms the hydraulic cylinder carrying a piston controlling a locking pin.

Abstract: An excavating device having a plurality of gouging members protruding downwardly from the bottom of an excavating bucket, and extending therefrom in the direction toward the bucket's scooping edge, the members being staggered at varying distances from the edge and bucket sides.

Abstract: A system for connecting a boom to a tool of the type in which brackets secured to the tool define a pair of coaxial, axially-spaced bores, and the boom defines a pair of cylindrical coaxial bosses. In such a system, the invention features a stop associated with each of the bores and providing an alignment surface, typically defined by a cylinder coaxially with the bore and of radius not less than that of a boss. The stop surfaces face generally towards the center of gravity of the tool, each stop surface subtends an arc in the range of 120.degree. to 180.degree., and each stop is open on the side of the associated bore opposite the stop surface thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for releasably securing a materials handler to a boom while permitting rotation of the materials handler about a first axis fixed with respect to the boom, and comprising a hitch adapted for pivotal connection to the boom for rotation about the first axis and including spaced apart hook and lock members, and cooperating structure on the materials handler for receiving and engaging the hook member and for engaging the lock member; the hook member extending downwardly from the body of the hitch with the nose of the hook facing the first axis and having a predetermined maximum width, a tapering nose portion of lesser width, a jaw having an engagement surface, a rear surface, and an overall depth defined by the rear surface and the front of the nose; the cooperating structure including a top wall for engaging the bottom of the hitch body, an opening in the wall of width substantially equal to the maximum width of the hook member for receiving the hook member, a rigid cross member extending transversely