Abstract: A method of installing a plurality of nut and bolt fasteners upon a structure is disclosed. The method includes placing a jig around the nut of a first fastener and the nut of a second fastener, securing the jig to the first fastener, and then using a power tool to tighten the nut of the second fastener to a target torque. The step of tightening the nut comprises engaging a socket portion of the power tool with the nut, securing the power tool to the jig such that a handle portion of the power tool is prevented from rotating about an axis of rotation of a socket portion of the power tool when the nut is being rotated by the socket portion. A jig, jig fasteners for securing a jig to a fastener, and a fastening head for a power tool are disclosed.

Abstract: A device for determining a location on an elongated workpiece, characterized in that the device comprises: a frame movable in a first direction, preferably in a longitudinal direction of the workpiece, positioning means to position the frame in relation to the sides of the workpiece, movable means movable in a second direction, preferably in a transverse direction with respect to the frame, a measuring point, the movement in first direction and second direction used to move measuring point in said directions, measuring equipment for determining the location of the measuring point in transverse and longitudinal respect to the workpiece.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided that includes a first jaw having a first jaw axis and that includes a proximal portion pivotally mounted to the base to be pivotable about a pivot axis between an open and a closed positions and including a distal portion; a second jaw having a second jaw axis and including a proximal portion secured to the base and including a distal portion; a first side edge secured to the first jaw a second side edge secured to the second jaw; a third side edge secured to the first jaw; a drive member including a cross-beam, which is sized to slideably engage the first, second and third side edges, a first transverse beam portion, and a second transverse beam portion; and a lead screw configured to advance the drive member in a distal direction parallel to the second jaw axis while engaging one or the other of the first and second side edges and the second side edge.

Abstract: A cutting head for monoguide cutters, with a self-adjusting device is provided. The self-adjusting device can include sets of bearings that comprise fixed bearings (31, 32) and an adjustable bearing (33) that act on races (11, 12) of a monoguide profile disposed on different planes. Each adjustable bearing (33) is mounted on a rocker arm (4) with a first end (41) rotatably mounted on a shaft (5) fixed to the cutting head (2), and with a second end (42) that presses against an elastic element (6) situated between the second end (42) of the rocker arm (4) and the case of the cutting head (2), the elastic element (6) determines the pressure of the bearings (31, 32, 33) against the races (11, 12) of the monoguide profile (1).

Abstract: Various embodiments include apparatuses adapted to displace components from a location within a turbomachine. In some embodiments an apparatus for displacing a component of a gas turbine from a first slot in a spacer disk includes a body including a mounting member configured to affixedly attach to a second slot of the spacer disk, a linear actuator coupled to the body and a displacement arm coupled to the linear actuator, the displacement arm actuatable in a first axial direction by the linear actuator to contact the component and displace the component relative to the first slot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing an operation on a structure. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus comprises a tool system and a movement system. The tool system is configured to perform an operation at a location on a structure. The movement system is configured to move the tool system along an elongate frame on the structure to the location.

Abstract: A robot for machining a part of structure under water, comprising a machine tool having a chamber receiving a machining element, a support and guiding structure of the machine tool fixable with respect to the part to be machined and having submersible mobile elements and corresponding submersible guiding elements defining axes along which the mobile elements are movable to position the machine tool with respect to the part to be machined, displacement units for displacement of the mobile elements along the axes, a gas supply connecting to the machine tool to inject gas in the chamber, and a programmable control unit for operating the displacement units and the machine tool based on a closed-loop control mode in order to achieve the machining of the part.

Abstract: A machining tool comprises a frame mounting an extendable yoke slidable with respect to the frame in a first direction through one or more mounting pillars. A tool motor is mounted on the yoke. A drive mechanism for the yoke is also mounted in the frame, with a drive motor to drive the yoke drive mechanism. A belt is between pulleys on the drive motor and mechanism to transmit drive between them. A rotatable sleeve is around the tool motor and on which sleeve the belt engages on opposite sides of the tool motor, whereby the tool motor can extend between the drive motor and mechanism, thereby resulting in a compact arrangement of the tool.

Abstract: A machining tool comprises a frame mounting an extendable yoke slidable with respect to the frame in a first direction through one or more mounting pillars. A tool motor is mounted on the yoke. A drive mechanism for the yoke is also mounted in the frame, with a drive motor to drive the yoke drive mechanism. A belt is between pulleys on the drive motor and mechanism to transmit drive between them. A rotatable sleeve is around the tool motor and on which sleeve the belt engages on opposite sides of the tool motor, whereby the tool motor can extend between the drive motor and mechanism, thereby resulting in a compact arrangement of the tool.

Abstract: A machining tool comprises a frame mounting an extendable yoke slidable with respect to the frame in a first direction through one or more mounting pillars. A tool motor is mounted on the yoke. A drive mechanism for the yoke is also mounted in the frame, with a drive motor to drive the yoke drive mechanism. A belt is between pulleys on the drive motor and mechanism to transmit drive between them. A rotatable sleeve is around the tool motor and on which sleeve the belt engages on opposite sides of the tool motor, whereby the tool motor can extend between the drive motor and mechanism, thereby resulting in a compact arrangement of the tool.

Abstract: A telescopic feed beam for a rock drill includes a lower beam and an upper beam arranged to move with respect to each other in the longitudinal direction. The cross section of the lower beam is such that there is a groove-like open space at the bottom of the lower beam and a transfer cylinder between the lower beam and the upper beam is mounted in the groove.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lift assist device which is used to alleviate the physical demands for the operation of a heavy percussion power tool, such as a pneumatic jackhammer, by facilitating lifting and freeing the percussion power tool. In general, the lift assist device contains an actuating cylinder with a lifting foot attached to the outside end of its piston rod and a control unit which comprises a directional control valve and a hand lever. The control unit is on the top of the lift assist device and can be used to control the lifting speed and height. The lift assist device is secured to the body of the percussion power tool with one or more mounting elements.

Abstract: A pneumatic impact tool and method includes a cylinder pipe or housing closed with a cover, as well as an impact piston that forms a first pressure chamber between an impact plate and the impact piston, and a second pressure chamber between the cover and the impact piston. The cover is provided with at least one opening, the surface of which is smaller than the piston surface, whereby the impact piston seals the opening when it is in its fully retracted position.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a mobile platform component that may involve attaching only a single rail to the mobile platform component, and positioning a carriage system having a main carriage and a secondary carriage on the rail. The main carriage may be positioned along a first axis of movement on the rail. The secondary carriage may be positioned along a second axis of movement perpendicular to the first axis of movement on the main carriage. The main carriage may be releasably secured to the secondary carriage, and the carriage system may be releasably secured to the mobile platform component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a modified horizontal directional drilling assembly for drilling pipe into a drilling surface. The drilling assembly comprises a power unit for supplying power to the assembly, a thrust frame adapted to be moved between a position substantially parallel to the drilling surface and a position substantially perpendicular to the drilling surface and a means for moving the thrust frame. The drilling assembly further comprises a rotary and carriage assembly mounted on the thrust frame. The rotary and carriage assembly is adapted to apply rotational, thrust and pull-back forces to the drill pipe. The drilling assembly is adapted to drill pipe into the drilling surface at any angle relative to the drilling surface between substantially parallel to the drilling surface and substantially perpendicular to the drilling surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations using non-contact position sensing are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a track assembly adapted to be attached to a workpiece, a carriage assembly moveably coupled to the track assembly and moveable relative to the workpiece, and a position sensor. The position sensor includes a sensor element adapted to detect at least one edge of an index feature on the workpiece from a distance away from the index feature. In an alternate embodiment, the position sensor may include a sensing circuit that receives an analog signal from the sensing element and provides both analog and digital output signals. In another embodiment, a controller that controls manufacturing operations may be mounted directly on the carriage assembly.

Abstract: An automatic position-locking tool carrier apparatus and method include a carriage that rides on a first rail and a second rail translatably connected to the carriage perpendicular to the first rail. Pinion gears that engage with the two rails are attached to the carriage and coupled to position encoders which transmit position signals to a controller. The controller produces control signals to control brake mechanisms coupled to the pinion gears. Translational motion of the carriage and the second rail are limited or prevented when the position of the carriage and the second rail are within predetermined limitations from a predetermined location, fixing the position of an end-effector head attached at one end of the second rail. The carriage and the second rail are propelled by forces external to the system.

Abstract: A pile driving device for driving in piles, with an axially-guided impact body movable in a hammer housing, an impact hood and a pile sleeve. So that the pile driving device can be transported by land without requiring surveys and preparation, the pile sleeve comprises two or more parts, with the pile sleeve being divided into radial or circular concentric partitions.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations using non-contact position sensing are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a track assembly adapted to be attached to a workpiece, a carriage assembly moveably coupled to the track assembly and moveable relative to the workpiece, and a position sensor. The position sensor includes a sensor element adapted to detect at least one edge of an index feature on the workpiece from a distance away from the index feature. In an alternate embodiment, the position sensor may include a sensing circuit that receives an analog signal from the sensing element and provides both analog and digital output signals. In another embodiment, a controller that controls manufacturing operations may be mounted directly on the carriage assembly.

Abstract: A process to transport and assemble a drilling or workover rig substructure. The process includes the steps of transporting a driller side substructure section and an off driller side substructure section to a rig site so that the sections are spaced from and parallel to each other. A center substructure section is transported to the rig site. The center substructure section is moved into a space between the driller side and the off driller side sections. The center substructure section is thereafter connected to the driller side and to the off driller side subsections. A floor of the driller side substructure and a floor of the off driller side substructure are raised while both connected to the center substructure section from a transport position to a use position while maintaining the floors parallel to the bases.

Abstract: A flexible track drilling machine employs a pair of rails that are flexible in one direction to conform to a non-flat workpiece surface and are substantially stiff in a direction parallel to the workpiece surface. The rails are attached to the workpiece by vacuum cups spaced along each rail. An X-axis carriage is slidably mounted on the rails by rollers mounted on flexible spring plates affixed to the carriage. A drill or other device to be positioned is mounted on a Y-axis carriage that is slidably connected to the X-axis carriage. The three-dimensional surface of the workpiece is mathematically transformed into a two-dimensional flat pattern, and the positioning of the carriages is controlled based on the flat pattern.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations using non-contact position sensing are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a track assembly adapted to be attached to a workpiece, a carriage assembly moveably coupled to the track assembly and moveable relative to the workpiece, and a position sensor. The position sensor includes a sensor element adapted to detect at least one edge of an index feature on the workpiece from a distance away from the index feature. In an alternate embodiment, the position sensor may include a sensing circuit that receives an analog signal from the sensing element and provides both analog and digital output signals. In another embodiment, a controller that controls manufacturing operations may be mounted directly on the carriage assembly.

Abstract: A self-supporting pneumatic hammer positioner for effortless command and control by an operator of a pneumatic hammer. The positioner comprises a rigid elongated template having a handle at a first end portion thereof, a saddle mount for a pneumatic hammer at a second end portion thereof, and a 3-axes pivotal mount integral to an intermediate section of the elongated template. An articulated boom member is provided, having an inner end portion and an outer end portion, its inner end portion pivotally mounted to the 3-axes pivotal mount. The boom member outer end portion is pivotally mounted about a one-axis mount to a ground anchor base.

Abstract: An underground horizontal boring apparatus includes a framework having a pair of guide tracks and a carriage connected to the framework for movement along the tracks. The apparatus includes a mechanism for moving the carriage in forward or backward directions along the guide tracks. A drill assembly is mounted to the carriage having a drill motor for rotation of a drill rod releasably coupled thereto. A clamp assembly is mounted to one end of the framework and includes a clamp for selectively gripping the drill rod so as to rotatably release the drill rod from the drill motor when the drill motor is operated in a reverse direction. Upon release, the carriage may be moved to a start position, another drill rod may be attached to the drill motor and first rod, and boring resumed.

Abstract: A rock bolter has a turret assembly having a positionable base. The base slidably and rotatably engages a cylindrical member on which a feed track support is affixed. A jack rotatably and slidably engages the cylindrical member, but cannot translate with respect to the base. The jack has a piston connected to the feed track support, and extending or retracting the piston translates the cylindrical member relative to the base to move the feed track support toward and away from a rock surface. A stinger assembly connected to the base engages the rock surface to stabilize the turret assembly. A pivot actuator connected between the base and the jack rotates the jack and the feed track support to selectively place either a drill or a bolt driver in alignment with a desired location on the rock surface.

Abstract: A carriage system supports an impact or driver tool. The carriage system has a support member that extends upwardly from a base platform. Support arms are rotatably connected to the support member at medial portion of the arms at different elevations above the support member. A proximal end of each of the arms rotatably connects to a weight, while a distal end of each of the arms is adapted to rotatably connect to the driver tool. The weight is located on an opposite side of the support member from the driver tool when the driver tool is attached. When the weight is moved in a vertical direction, the arms rotate in combination with the movement of the weight. The arms rotate about their respective medial connections, thereby forcing the ends that rotatably connect to the driver tool to move in a vertically opposite direction than the weight.

Abstract: A displacement and support device including a power cylinder (3) provided at its opposite ends, respectively, with an assembly element (7) for connecting the power cylinder with power tool and a support leg, a control valve (10) for controlling operation of the power cylinder (30), and a manually rotationally adjustable actuation member (9) for actuating the control valve (10), with the actuation member (9) being formed as a handle extending transverse to an axis (A) of the power cylinder and rotationally adjustable about a handle axis (B) within a rotational angle of 180° that encompasses an entire control region of the control valve (10).

Abstract: A rock bolter has a turret assembly having a positionable base. The base slidably and rotatably engages a cylindrical member on which a feed track support is affixed. A jack rotatably and slidably engages the cylindrical member, but cannot translate with respect to the base. The jack has a piston connected to the feed track support, and extending or retracting the piston translates the cylindrical member relative to the base to move the feed track support toward and away from a rock surface. A stinger assembly connected to the base engages the rock surface to stabilize the turret assembly. A pivot actuator connected between the base and the jack rotates the jack and the feed track support to selectively place either a drill or a bolt driver in alignment with a desired location on the rock surface.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus (2) for installing bolts into a mine entry, said apparatus including: a frame (8) having a forward end (20), a rearward end and lateral sides; at least one bolting rig (140, 142, 144, 146) operatively mounted to said forward end of said frame; at least one roof support member attached to said forward end of said frame (8) separate from said bolting rig (140, 142, 144, 146) for selectively supporting said mine entry as bolts are installed therein; and an operator station (990) on said frame for supporting an operator thereon during operation of said at least one roof support member.

Abstract: A coupling for quickly and easily attaching and detaching stakes from the drive head of a horizontal directional drill. The coupling includes an upper coupler member and a lower coupler member. The lower coupler member slides into the upper coupler member, and a pin in the upper coupler member rotates into opposed, horizontal slots in the lower coupler member.

Abstract: A multiple position stakedown assembly for a horizontal directional drill machine which installs stakes into the ground in a variety of different locations with a single drive head. The stakedown assembly includes a vertical tower that is rotatably mounted on a base plate. Locator ports for the stakes are provided in the base plate in a segmentally circular pattern around the tower. A drive head cantilevered from the top of the tower rotates with the tower to positions where it can install stakes through any of the ports.

Abstract: An arrangement in a rock drilling apparatus comprising supports (5) directed toward the rear part of the feed, the supports being moveable by means of support cylinders (6) to support the feed during the drilling operation. The arrangement comprises a pressure detector (9), which is arranged to detect the pressure of the pressure fluid in the support cylinders (6) and to make the control unit supply more pressure fluid to the support cylinders (6) when the pressure drops below a pre-set threshold value.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for driving a post into the ground is provided in an embodiment. The apparatus has a base removably attachable to the post as well as a hammer module tethered to the base to permit vertically reciprocating motion of the module relative to the base and post. The apparatus may be motor driven with rotating, eccentrically mounted cams providing the mechanism for creating a hammering force through reciprocating motion. The hammer module has a face which imparts the hammering force to the top of the post. A method for using such an apparatus is provided in a further embodiment.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus for resisting sliding of a drilling machine in first and second directions during drilling operations is provided. The gripping apparatus is pivotably mounted on the anchoring assembly of the drilling machine. The drilling machine includes a reciprocating drill mounted on the boom thereof. During operation of the drilling machine, the reciprocating drill generates thrust and pullback forces which tend to move the drilling machine in the first and second directions, respectively. The gripping apparatus for resisting sliding of the drilling machine in first and second directions during drilling operations includes first and second gripping mechanisms which are moveable between a first disengaged storage position and a second support surface engaging, work position.

Abstract: A drill rig is provided which has a mobile trolley having a telescopically extendible post for locking it in position relative to the hanging wall in an underground mine. The post supports in articulated manner, at least one and generally two vertically and laterally spaced drill booms adjustable in position at least within limits relative to the height of the post. A third drill boom may operatively be supported by the trolley itself in a lower-most position. The trolley is preferably supported on driven wheels and the drills, post, and any drive motors are preferably hydraulically driven by high pressure water.

Abstract: Supporting clamps for a tool such as, for example, a pile driver machine are used to tilt a machine support relative to a horizontal plane. The clamps include a pair of jaw elements one of which is received on a pivot and the other of which has a pair of parallel spaced pistons. The clamp jaw elements gird a fixed reference device to support the tool securely for subsequent operations. Different pressures applied to the two pistons causes the clamp to tilt about the fixed reference device, and thereby to tilt the tool to which it is attached. The difference in pressure is controlled to rotate the tool as desired. In a second embodiment of the invention, the desired angle is established by controlling an angle of a backup surface, and applying equal pressure to the two pistons. The fixed reference device is driven into the angled backup surface to establish the desired tilt angle. In a further embodiment, one piston is disposed at each side of the gap. The two pistons are spaced apart along the gap.

Abstract: A selectively attachable dust suppressing misting device for use with percussive tools, such as air hammers or jack hammers, includes a frame having a first tube section connected to a fluid source. The misting device includes one or more misting nozzles connected to the first tube section to allow fluid to flow out of the misting device. The misting nozzles are rotatable to allow fluid to be sprayed in a desired direction. The device also includes at least one adjustable clamp for securing the device to various diameters of percussive tools. Preferably, a second clamp is mounted to a housing slidable on the first tube section to allow the second clamp to be moved with respect to the first clamp.

Abstract: A portable power driven post driver. The post driver has an inner hollow cylinder open at its upper end and adapted to receive a post through a locking mechanism located at its lower end. The inner cylinder is located within an outer hollow cylinder in sliding engagement therewith, the outer cylinder having a closed upper end in contact with the upper end of a post held in said inner cylinder. Two fluid powered cylinders and associated pistons are attached to the outer surface of the outer cylinder, the longitudinal axes of the two fluid powered cylinders being in alignment. A common piston rod extends between the two pistons and is attached by a fastening member to the inner cylinder, the fastening member extending through a slot in the outer cylinder.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus for drilling a worn and/or damaged tap hole refractory liner sleeve from a tap hole nozzle of an oxygen blown steelmaking vessel, the apparatus including an elongated, hollow boom structure with an elongated drill shaft rotatably disposed within the boom structure, motor means for rotating the drill shaft and moving it in both directions within the boom structure, and a clamp means at the outer end of the boom structure adapted to attach the outer end of the boom structure to the tap hole nozzle in an accurate, axially aligned position. A drill bit for use with the above drilling apparatus comprises a plurality of conventional rock drill bits attached to a base plate equally spaced in a pair of concentric circular arrangement around an axis of the base plate.

Abstract: A securing and tensioning device for a towing cable that is secured to a percussion boring machine and connects a pipe that is to be pulled in to the boring machine, comprising a thrust member bearing on the free end of the pipe that is to be pulled in, a clamping unit that is adjacent to the thrust member and clamps when a force acts on the towing cable in the direction of the pipe that is to be pulled in, and a tensioning unit arranged coaxially with the clamping unit that clamps when a force acts in the direction of the pipe that is to be pulled in and is movable in the direction opposite to that of the pipe that is to be pulled in.

Abstract: A support mount assembly for use in a drilling apparatus comprises a support member, a connector for removably connecting the support member to a vehicle so that the support member is in a vertical orientation, a support flange integrally connected to the support member near the lower end thereof, a sleeve slidably received upon the support member so as to be longitudinally movable along the support member, a feed mount member preferably comprising a collar integrally connected to the sleeve, and a drill mount member preferably comprising a flange integrally connected to and longitudinally extending along the sleeve. A drilling apparatus using the support mount assembly further comprises a feed leg and a drill. The feed leg has a first feed leg member, such as a cylinder, secured to the feed mount member and a second feed leg member, such as a piston, secured to the support flange. The drill is secured to the drill mount member.

Abstract: An indexing coupling for a drill includes a hollow inner race, a hollow outer race, and a sleeve member. The hollow inner race and hollow outer race are affixed to one another by a plurality of ball members which are positioned by a plurality of detents in the hollow inner race. The balls also extend into holes in the hollow outer race. When the balls are positioned within the holes in the hollow outer race and within the detents in the hollow inner race by the sleeve member, the hollow inner race and the hollow outer race are rigidly connected one with respect to the other. When the sleeve member is moved the ball members become disengaged from the hollow inner race thus allowing indexing of the outer race with respect to the hollow inner race. This indexing of the hollow outer race with respect to the hollow inner race allows selective rotatable indexing of the drill housing with respect to the nose piece.

Abstract: An earth drill for use with a vehicle of a type which performs utility pole hole drilling operations is disclosed. The drill attaches to an end of a movable boom mounted on the vehicle. An elongated guide is rotatably attachable to the boom via a rotatable coupling, enabling the drill to be rotated to a convenient angle and fixed using an eccentric shear pin. A drill head is movably mounted for advance and retraction along the elongated guide. A drilling tool is attachable to the drill head and is oriented to drill a hole as the drill head is moved with respect to a ground surface. A stabilizer attached to a lower end of the elongated guide includes anchoring holes for receiving pins which are driven into the ground in order to resist transverse and rotative movement of the guide. The guide can float upwardly during a drilling operation, guided by the pins, and need not be fixed to the ground.

Abstract: A device for coupling a torque driver to a fastener that is to be driven on a workpiece by the driver, and for coupling the driver housing to the workpiece, has two nesting cylindrical barrels, one of which can be fastened to the driver housing and the other of which can be connected to a reaction structure which is clamped to the workpiece. The two barrels are coupled together for limited rotation relative to each other which facilitates placement of the device on the reaction structure and securing it in place thereon, and also provides a torque path for reaction torque from the driver housing through the two barrels of the device to the reaction structure and thence to the workpiece. The reaction structure has a series of positioning stops that facilitate quick and accurate positioning on the workpiece, and a power operated clamp for securely connecting the reaction structure to the workpiece.

Abstract: A rock drill has a normally stationary base, a support movable longitudinally on the base forward toward and backward away from a rock face adjacent the base and having a part engageable forwardly with the face, a base actuator braced longitudinally between the base and the support for longitudinally moving the support on the base and for pressing the part of the support forward against the face with a predetermined anchoring force, a drill movable longitudinally on the support and having a drilling tool engageable in the face for drilling a longitudinal hole therein, and a drill actuator braced longitudinally between the drill and the support for longitudinally moving the drill on the support and for pressing the drilling tool longitudinally forward against the face adjacent the part with a predetermined drilling force. A pressure detector or sensor is provided on the part for producing an actual-value output corresponding to the reaction force or pressure exerted axially backward on the support by the face.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a thin flexible track of spring steel having a series of perforations therethrough for use in conjunction with a variable speed travel carriage having a carriage drive sprocket which is studded about the periphery with balls or spherical members adapted to mesh with the track perforations to drive the carriage along. By this arrangement, greater loads may be driven than was hitherto possible with known flexible-track devices requiring the use of a guide and drive track following the contour of workpiece upon which work is being carried out.

Abstract: Described is a pneumatic knocking device for knocking dust off bunker walls, comprising a housing (1) which encloses an elongate spring chamber (13) with spring (9), having a vent bore (7), and which is closed at one end by a top wall (20) with hole (10), a valve wall (3) with connecting hole (8), a piston (2) which is movable towards the top wall (20) by means of compressed air against the pressure of the spring (9), and a quick-acting vent valve (3, 8, 10, 11, 14a, 15) which is disposed in the region of the valve wall (3) and which vents the chamber (22) beneath the piston (2) into the spring chamber (13) by means of an air conduit (14).

Abstract: The robot comprises at least one holder (10) for the parts (11) in an assembly area and a head (1) carrying the assembly tool (21). The head is translatingly and/or rotationally movable with respect to the part holder by guiding supports (3) and is positioned by motors (6). The head carries in a fixed or sliding mode a device (20) enabling to apply the tool (21) to a part (11) with a predetermined force. The robot further comprises at least one platform (15) facing the holder so that the head (1) is located between the platform and the part holder. The platform (15) is mechanically connected to the part holder by rigid elements (5) arranged outside the space between the assembly area and the platform so as to resist a force tending to take the platform away from the holder.

Abstract: A supporting arrangement for a feed device for a drilling machine of a rock drilling unit (2) comprising a feed device (3) for a drilling machine (4), a cradle (5) supporting the feed device longitudinally displaceably and a supporting device (10) which is extendable in parallel with the feed device for supporting the feed device against a tunnel wall. The supporting device is supported by the cradle so that it remains stationary with respect to the cradle when the feed device is displaced.

Abstract: A pile driver is described wherein a piston within an internal combustion engine is rigidly coupled to the pile to be driven. The engine is resiliently coupled to the pile so as to move with the pile. Control circuitry modifies the frequency of operation of the piston so as to make the impulses created thereby synchronous with reflected impulses within the pile.