Abstract: A knife include a handle, button, blade with an integral tang, locking mechanism within the tang, and thrust mechanism. The blade moves between closed and open positions. The button may axially slide along the handle. When the blade is in the closed position and locked, movement of the button towards the first handle end releases the locking mechanism and the thrust mechanism moves the blade to the open position. A knife includes a stop pin connected to a tang of a blade and a stop plate positioned within a knife handle. The stop plate has two angled surfaces. The stop pin mates with both angled surfaces and the blade is constrained from movement in two planes.

Abstract: A knife include a handle, button, blade with an integral tang, locking mechanism within the tang, and thrust mechanism. The blade moves between closed and open positions. The button axially slides along the handle. When the blade is in the closed position and locked, movement of the button towards the first handle end releases the locking mechanism and the thrust mechanism moves the blade to the open position. When the blade is in the open position and locked, movement of the button towards the second handle end releases the locking mechanism and the thrust mechanism moves the blade to the closed position. A knife includes a stop pin connected to a tang of a blade and a stop plate positioned within a knife handle. The stop plate has two angled surfaces. The stop pin mates with both angled surfaces and the blade is constrained from movement in two planes.

Abstract: A folding knife, whereby a unique arrangement of linked levers, produces a geometry of mechanical advantage, allowing the user to safely deploy an extended, but unlocked blade, by simply griping the handle. A resilient element, in conjunction with the linked levers, produces a powered assist in the act of opening the blade and also in the act of closing the blade. Alternately, further means are disclosed of providing the option of a positive locking blade.

Abstract: A folding knife, whereby a unique arrangement of linked levers, produces a geometry of mechanical advantage, allowing the user to safely deploy an extended, but unlocked blade, by simply griping the handle. A resilient element, in conjunction with the linked levers, produces a powered assist in the act of opening the blade and also in the act of closing the blade. Alternately, further means are disclosed of providing the option of a positive locking blade.

Abstract: An excavation component is disclosed herein. The excavation component includes a cutter structure carrier and a cutter structure carried by the cutter structure carrier. The excavation component also includes a fastener for securing the cutter structure to the cutter structure carrier. The cutter structure carrier and the cutter structure have an interlocking geometry for transferring shear between the cutter structure carrier and the cutter structure so as to reduce an amount of shear applied to the fastener during excavation operations.

Abstract: In a chain excavator including an excavation chain with links routed around a drive sprocket and an end idler with a base plate mounted to a link for supporting excavation implements, a stabilizing element extends rearwardly from directly behind the excavation implement in order to contact and be supported by its trailing base plate.

Abstract: In a chain excavator including an excavation chain with links routed around a drive sprocket and an end idler with a base plate mounted to a link for supporting excavation implements, a stabilizing element extends rearwardly from directly behind the excavation implement in order to contact and be supported by its trailing base plate.

Abstract: In a chain excavator including an excavation chain with links routed around a drive sprocket and an end idler with a base plate mounted to a link for supporting excavation implements, a stabilizing element extends rearwardly from directly behind the excavation implement in order to contact and be supported by its trailing base plate.

Abstract: In a chain excavator including an excavation chain with links routed around a drive sprocket and an end idler with a base plate mounted to a link for supporting excavation implements, a stabilizing element extends rearwardly from directly behind the excavation implement in order to contact and be supported by its trailing base plate.

Abstract: In a chain excavator including an excavation chain with links routed around a drive sprocket and an end idler with a base plate mounted to a link for supporting excavation implements, a stabilizing element extends rearwardly from directly behind the excavation implement in order to contact and be supported by its trailing base plate.

Abstract: In a chain excavator including an excavation chain with links routed around a drive sprocket and an end idler with a base plate mounted to a link for supporting excavation implements, a stabilizing element extends rearwardly from directly behind the excavation implement in order to contact and be supported by its trailing base plate.

Abstract: In a chain excavator including an excavation chain with links routed around a drive sprocket and an end idler with a base plate mounted to a link for supporting excavation implements, a stabilizing element extends rearwardly from directly behind the excavation implement in order to contact and be supported by its trailing base plate.

Abstract: In a chain excavator including an excavation chain with links routed around a drive sprocket and an end idler with a base plate mounted to a link for supporting excavation implements, a stabilizing element extends rearwardly from directly behind the excavation implement in order to contact and be supported by its trailing base plate.

Abstract: In a chain excavator including an excavation chain with links routed around a drive sprocket and an end idler with a base plate mounted to a link for supporting excavation implements, a stabilizing element extends rearwardly from directly behind the excavation implement in order to contact and be supported by its trailing base plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an excavator having a frame, engine, ground supports and an excavation boom with an excavating drum. The method includes fixing the orientation of the boom relative to gravity to approximately control the shape of an excavated ground plane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an excavator having a frame, engine, ground supports and an excavation boom with an excavating drum. The method includes fixing the orientation of the boom relative to gravity to approximately control the shape of an excavated ground plane.