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: A cultivator section comprises an articulated frame supported by castor wheels and having both hinge connections and universal ball joint connections so that the frame can articulate when transversing uneven ground, gullies, etc. and maintaining the cultivating implements at a substantially even depth below ground surface. In other words the frame articulates so that it remains substantially parallel to the surface regardless of the uneveness of the surface. A hitch frame is connected to the cultivator frame at a plurality of the points and an even pull is thereby obtained. The cultivator section is easily adapted to transport position. A plurality of cultivator sections can be used in side by side relationship by adjusting the hitch frame so that a single section or a multiple section cultivator can be formed depending on the size of land to be cultivated and the amount of power available in the tractor or other towing means.