Abstract: A grapple paricularly adapted for use with a helicopter is able to control heavy loads and to latch onto such loads, or release the same, by remote control from the helicopter. Shock absorbing features serve to minimize the effects of such loads on helicopter operation. The weight of the arms and frame in one embodiment provide the necessary latching action, while in other embodiments the latching system is operated hydraulically, either separately as to each arm/frame pairs or by use of a single hydraulic control for both arm/frame pairs. A hydraulic pressure sensitive device is provided to adapt the amount of shock absorption to the magnitude of the load. Spring assistance to the load-grasping process is also incorporated into the device.

Abstract: A grapple particularly adapted for use with a helicopter is able to control heavy loads and to latch onto such loads, or release the same, by remote control from the helicopter. Shock absorbing features serve to minimize the effects of such loads on helicopter operation. The weight of the arms and frame in one embodiment provide the necessary latching action, while in other embodiments the latching system is operated hydraulically, either separately as to each arm/frame pairs or by use of a single hydraulic control for both arm/frame pairs. A hydraulic pressure sensitive device is provided to adapt the amount of shock absorption to the magnitude of the load. Spring assistance to the load-grasping process is also incorporated into the device.

Abstract: Apparatus is lowered over the top of a tree to sever the tree top and to collect the severed tree for later use in reforestation. The apparatus includes a housing having a conically shaped inner passageway which diverges downwardly to provide a lower opening for guiding the tree upwardly through the downwardly diverging passageway to provide a lower opening for guiding the tree upwardly through the passageway and out the top of the conical housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting assembly includes a movable engaging arm which is propelled in scissor-like movement toward a fixed engaging arm by a fluid cylinder/piston assembly. The inner edges of the arms are shaped to guide the tree toward a cutting blade attached to the inner edge of one of the arms. The tree is moved into cutting engagement with the cutting blade by the closing movement of the movable arm.

Abstract: A simple, rugged, compact and reliable apparatus (20, 54, 55, 56, 58, 64) for cutting trees (24), vegetation and other objects, together with methods for operating such apparatus, are provided wherein a cutting blade (22, 22"), constrained for movement along a cutting path generally transverse to the tree (24) or other object being cut, is coupled to a piston/cylinder type accumulator (42/44, 42'/44', 42"/44") within which a compressible medium defines a source of stored potential energy.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting seed cones from a tree has a lower guide portion with an opening for freely embracing the trunk of the tree while permitting vertical movement of the apparatus with respect to the tree. There is an upper cone receiving portion having a rotatable cone remover with a plurality of outwardly extending members for separating cones from the tree. Preferably, the cone remover has a roll portion. The outwardly extending members extend generally radially from the roll portion and are resilient and wire-like.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for harvesting seed bearing cones from a tree, the apparatus having a retrieving structure and holding structure to define a collecting enclosure therebetween to receive cone bearing material with structure to unload the collecting enclosure. The apparatus has a guide to encircle the tree to ensure generally axial movement, and separating structure adjacent an upper portion thereof which separates cone containing material from the tree resulting from upwards movement of the apparatus. In one embodiment the separating structure has a plurality of recesses to receive the tree trunk, the recesses being provided with knives which cut the branches when the trunk enters the recess and the device is moved upwardly up the trunk. Alternatively, the separating structure has recesses to receive branches and is provided with rake means to rake the cones from the branches.

Abstract: A lubricant applicator including a container having an outlet to be connected to the lubricating system of a bearing, a separator in the container movable to force lubricant out through said outlet, a gas chamber behind the separator and in communication with the container, a cathode and an anode in the chamber and forming part of an electrical circuit, a switch for breaking and making the circuit, and an electrolyte in contact with the anode and cathode for generating gas when electrical current flows through the circuit, the generated gas applying pressure to the separator to force lubricant out through the outlet.