Abstract: Improved radial engine configurations where the pistons and their associated connecting rods interface with a center crankshaft by the use of slipper bearings, which only contact a portion of the center crankshaft throw. The improved radial engine crankshaft interface includes at least one connecting rod with a bearing that encircles the center crankshaft throw, and acts as a retaining ring for the slipper bearings.

Abstract: Improved radial engine configurations where the pistons and their associated connecting rods interface with a center crankshaft by the use of slipper bearings, which only contact a portion of the center crankshaft throw. The improved radial engine crankshaft interface includes at least one connecting rod with a bearing that encircles the center crankshaft throw, and acts as a retaining ring for the slipper bearings.

Abstract: A portable rail cutting apparatus is presented herein. The portable rail cutting apparatus comprises a housing encasing a motor, the motor configured to drive a rotary abrasive blade, a drive pulley coupled to the motor, a driven pulley coupled to the rotary abrasive blade, a loop drive belt engaged by the drive pulley at one end and engaging the driven pulley at another end, and an automatic belt tensioning mechanism. The automatic belt tensioning system comprises a spring and push rod assembly that applies a pre-set tension to the loop drive belt. The portable rail cutting apparatus may also comprise an adjustable protective guard member that partially surrounds the rotary abrasive blade and includes a detent mechanism configured to provide integral travel positions for the adjustable protective guard member.

Abstract: A portable rail cutting apparatus is presented herein. The portable rail cutting apparatus comprises a housing encasing a motor, the motor configured to drive a rotary abrasive blade, a drive pulley coupled to the motor, a driven pulley coupled to the rotary abrasive blade, a loop drive belt engaged by the drive pulley at one end and engaging the driven pulley at another end, and an automatic belt tensioning mechanism. The automatic belt tensioning system comprises a spring and push rod assembly that applies a pre-set tension to the loop drive belt. The portable rail cutting apparatus may also comprise an adjustable protective guard member that partially surrounds the rotary abrasive blade and includes a detent mechanism configured to provide integral travel positions for the adjustable protective guard member.

Abstract: A ground rod driver has a housing with upper and lower ends, and inlets and outlets for hydraulic fluid. A check assembly in the housing adjacent its lower end includes a chuck with a central bore and a multiplicity of chuck jaws slidably seated in the bore and providing spaced apart faces defining a passage therebetween. The chuck bore and the outer surfaces of said jaws have cooperating downwardly converging configurations to provide a wedging action upon relative movement of said jaws into the bore. A drive assembly effects relative movement of the jaws and the chuck bore to move the jaws inwardly of the bore to effect clamping of the ground rod and to move the jaws outwardly of the bore to release the ground rod. An anvil above the clutch assembly abuts the chuck jaws, and a drive piston assembly includes a reciprocatable hollow drive piston for impacting upon the anvil. A valve controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to effect reciprocation of the drive piston to impact upon the anvil.

Abstract: A foot assembly for an impact tool reduces tool bit rebound shock to the operator and minimizes tool bit bouncing on the work surface by isolating and attenuating energy reflected from the work surface through the tool bit. The unique system comprises a collar support fabricated from a tough elastomeric material, which engages the inserted inner end of the tool bit and is maintained firmly against the collar thereof by a coil spring. Mounted inwardly within the longitudinal passageway of the foot assembly housing is a bushing, which has an outer contact surface against which the collar support will be thrust by the inwardly moving bit, the elastomeric material thereby serving to attentuate the rebound energy.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated self-propelled subsoil penetrating tool of the type including an elongated housing member having a penetrating nose with a forward anvil surface, the forward anvil surface defining one end of a cylindrical cavity, a rear anvil surface defines the other end of said cavity, a hammer is slideably mounted in the cavity and has impacting surfaces at either end thereof adapted to impact on the anvil surfaces, the direction of travel of the tool is being determined by the anvil upon which said hammer impacts, the hammer is slideably in said cylindrical cavity to selectively impact upon one of said anvil surfaces and has internal bores of different diameters defining forward and reverse piston surfaces, the forward piston surface area being greater than the reverse piston surface area, a valving member is slideable in one of the hammer bores between the forward and reverse piston surfaces and defines forward and rear variable volume fluid chambers.