Abstract: An excavator dragline bucket is supported by a hoist line from a dragline power unit, and pivots about the connection of the hoist line to the bucket. The bucket is designed to dump toward the rear, and has a gate that is latched in position during the loading of the bucket, and which will be automatically unlatched as the bucket tilts rearwardly. The gate is connected through a double pivoting bellcrank that is operated by control links connected to the hoist member such that as the angle between the bucket and the hoist member changes, the control link loads the double pivoting lever and releases the latch. When the bucket has been dumped and is returned to its horizontal position, the tailgate first moves against the rear edges of the bucket, and subsequently the double pivoting lever permits the tailgate to slide along its plane to a latched position.

Abstract: A dragline excavating bucket is constructed to be supported through a minimum number of support chains and control cables, and made to provide for rapid digging and distribution of overburden removed by dumping the bucket rearwardly over a rear wall of the bucket. The bucket is supported on hoist chains that are located forwardly of the center of gravity so the bucket tends to tip rearwardly. The tilted portion of the bucket is controlled through a pair of drag chains that not only provide the pull force for loading the bucket, but also control the dumping of material from the bucket over the rear wall. Sliding trunnions are used on the bucket pivots to enhance dumping operation.

Abstract: A self locking cable end termination socket assembly has a one-piece tapered wedge as a locking device for a cable that fits into a housing with two parts that are locked together. The wedge and a cable looped over the wedge fit within an interior opening in the housing. When the cable is tightened, the wedge tightens against surfaces defining the opening in the housing and wedges in place. The two housing parts include a saddle and a cap which fit together and are held in a fixed position with interlocking members. The cap has a knock-off lug that, when hit with sufficient force, such as by using a weight on an end of a cable to form a pendulum ram, will release from the saddle, making removal of the wedge and the cable greatly simplified.