Abstract: A twistlock operator for a twistlock mechanism has a drive mechanism with a fixed axis and an angularly displaceable twistlock having a pivot axis normally positioned along the fixed axis. A first actuator is drivingly connected to the drive mechanism for thereby permitting rotation of the first actuator and a second actuator is connected to the twistlock. Each of the actuators is generally rectangularly shaped and each has arcuate side bearing surfaces and the bearing surfaces have substantially equal radii of curvature. A tube is pivotally connected to each of the actuators for drivingly connecting the actuators and thereby causing cooperative rotation of the actuators. The tube maintains driving connection between the actuators even when the twistlock pivots and thereby displaces the pivot axis away from the fixed axis.

Abstract: A gantry crane comprising a pair of spaced, parallel rectangular side frames each having top and bottom members and front and rear vertical members connected to the top and bottom members, a front cross beam rigidly connected to each of the side frames at the upper front corners thereof, and a rear cross beam pivotally connected to each of the side frames at the upper rear corners thereof, each of the side frames further including diagonal braces, ground engaging drive wheels mounted on the side frames at the lower corners thereof so that as the gantry crane traverses uneven ground, the wheels maintain ground contact as the rear cross beam pivots with respect to the side frames and the front cross beam absorbs the torsional stress.

Abstract: A load handling apparatus 10 having an anti-sway characteristic produced by suspending one end of a load bearing member 44 from a first trolley 38 which resists sway laterally along cross member 24 and the other end from a second trolley 54 which rides on a vertically movable stabilizing beam 30 to resist sway both laterally along stabilizing beam 30 and along the major axis of the load bearing member 44.

Abstract: A portable earth boring machine for the boring of vertically inclined shafts and the insertion of pipeline casing sections characterized by a main frame portion that supports the auger drive and casing pusher apparatus, and a detachably mounted engine frame portion that permits the transmission of power between the engine and the auger drive and casing pusher apparatus not only when the engine frame portion is positioned on the main frame portion at the boring location but also when said engine frame portion is detached and positioned at a location remote from the main frame means. The machine is further characterized by a novel control means for the casing pusher apparatus that provides for both relatively slow and relatively fast extension and retraction of the casing pusher so as to provide more efficient operation of the earth boring machine.

Abstract: A portable earth boring machine for the boring of vertically inclined shafts and the insertion of pipeline casing sections characterized by a main frame portion that supports the auger drive and casing pusher apparatus, and a detachably mounted engine frame portion that permits the transmission of power between the engine and the auger drive and casing pusher apparatus not only when the engine frame portion is positioned on the main frame portion at the boring location but also when said engine frame portion is detached and positioned at a location remote from the main frame means. The machine is further characterized by a novel control means for the auger drive apparatus that provides for remote operation and hydraulically actuated variable speed control of the boring auger.

Abstract: A portable earth boring machine for the horizontal boring of shafts and the insertion of pipeline casing sections in installations where excavation from the surface is undesirable. The machine is characterized by frame means adapted for movement along a track means, which frame means supports an engine which drives an earth boring auger as well as casing pusher apparatus for pushing casing sections into the earth fill as the boring operation progresses. The machine is further characterized by a fluid actuated pusher cylinder means for advancing the auger into the earth fill and associated automatic auger feed control means for automatically maintaining a constant fluid flow rate to said pushing cylinder means under variations in resistance to auger penetration of said earth fill during a boring operation.

Abstract: A portable earth boring machine for the horizontal boring of shafts and the insertion of pipeline casing sections in installations where excavation from the surface is undesirable. The machine is characterized by a steering head positioned at the front of the casings and remotely controlled by the machine operator so as to directionally control the direction of extension of the pipeline as the drilling operation progresses.

Abstract: A portable earth boring machine for the horizontal boring of shafts and the insertion of pipeline casing sections in installations where excavation from the surface is undesirable. The machine is characterized by a steering head positioned at the front of the casings which steering head is automatically controlled so as to directionally control the direction of extension of the pipeline as the drilling operation progresses.