Abstract: An efficiency-enhanced resonant system is provided with a backing mass connected to a linear vibrator, a parasitic mass connected to the linear vibrator, a positioning spring, a connecting device, and external biasing springs. The linear vibrator provides vibrating force to the parasitic mass which is connected to the connecting device, grasping a working implement. The use of separate positioning spring and external biasing springs accommodates a tuned system that balances the reduction in backing mass movement, avoids backing mass resonance within the working range of frequencies, and maintains a minimized linear vibrator stroke within the optimal range for one-dimensional implements within desired frequency ranges.

Abstract: A service or workover rig (50) that does not require guy lines is disclosed. Components of the rig (50) include a carrier (52) and a mast (120) that is movable between transport and deployed positions. Two rear outriggers (160) are pivotally mounted to a bumper (64) of the carrier (52). In their transport position, the rear outriggers (160) are positioned along respective sides (58) of the carrier (52), for instance in cutouts (60) in the bed or decking (56) of the carrier (52). In their deployed position, the rear outriggers (160) extend rearwardly of the carrier (52) and also away from their respective carrier side (58). Each rear outrigger (160) may be in the form of a hollow beam.

Abstract: A rod-mounting apparatus for a drilling apparatus is disclosed. The rod-mounting apparatus comprises: a bracket installed at a frame of a main body of the drilling apparatus and having a rod; a base member rotatably mounted on the bracket; a rotating member hinged to one side of the base member to hold and rotate an end of a rod mounted to or separated from a driving shaft; a clamping unit mounted on the rotating member to clamp the end of the rod; and a driving unit mounted on the base member to rotate the rotating member in a direction in which in which the rod makes the rotating member stand or lie. The rod-mounting apparatus of the present invention enables rods to be smoothly connected or separated during a drilling work, thereby improving the drilling efficiency.

Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to a top drive system having a top drive, a bogey chassis, wherein the top drive is coupled with the bogey chassis, an upper bushing coupling the bogey chassis to a torque track, and a lower bushing coupling the bogey chassis to the torque track, wherein the upper and lower bushings are configured to translate along the torque track.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving piles or drilling holes includes a self propelled vehicle with a mounting platform supported by the vehicle. A lifting and positioning arm is provided having a mounting end and a remote end. The mounting end is mounted to the platform. The arm rotates about a vertical axis relative to the platform wherein the remote end of the arm is positioned in a selected radial orientation relative to the platform. The arm pivots about a substantially horizontal axis relative to the platform wherein the arm is moved up and down to position the remote end of the arm at a selected height above or below the platform. The arm extends and retracts wherein the remote end of the arm is positioned a selected distance from the platform. A pile driver or drill assembly is pivotally mounted to the remote end of the arm.

Abstract: A feeder holding device used with a rock drilling and/or rock bolting rig, in which the rock drilling and/or rock bolting rig has at least one boom with a first end and a second end, the first end is attached to a carrier, and the second end supports a feed beam by the feeder holding device, and in which the feed beam can be adjusted by the feeder holding device in a first drilling position in a first drilling direction and in a second position. The feeder holding device provides linear movement of the feed beam, in a direction different from the drilling direction, from the first drilling position to the second position, such that the feed beam in the second position is pointed in a direction parallel to the first drilling direction. A rock drilling and/or rock bolting rig is also provided.

Abstract: A remote controlled actuator includes an elongated spindle guide section and a distal end member fitted to a distal end thereof for alteration in attitude. The distal end member rotatably supports a spindle for holding a tool. The spindle guide section includes a rotary shaft for transmitting rotation of a tool rotation drive source to the spindle. An attitude altering member inserted in a guide hole is selectively advanced or retracted by an attitude control drive source. An initial attitude hold control unit controls the attitude control drive source so that an initial attitude holding force necessary to maintain the distal end member in the initial attitude can be applied to the attitude altering member. An attitude alteration control unit controls the attitude control drive source so that the attitude of the distal end member can be altered by a force larger than the initial attitude holding force.

Abstract: A boom arrangement (7) for a rock drill rig (5) including a feed beam unit (8) for displaceable reception of at least one rock drilling machine (10, 10?), a support unit (13) for connection to and support of a rotator unit (12), a boom unit (11) between the rotator unit (12) and the feed beam unit (8) for displacement of the feed beam unit in planes essentially at right angle to a main plane (P) for the support unit (13), wherein the rotator unit (12) is arranged for rotating the feed beam unit (8) around an axis (A), which is essentially-perpendicular to said main plane (P), wherein the support unit (13) is connectable to a vehicle unit being part of the rock drill rig (5), and being arranged for displacing the rock drill rig. The support unit (13) has joint connecting elements (14) being sidewardly connectable for connection to a sidewardly directed carrier device (15, 17) which is attachable to the vehicle unit, and a lower abutment side (16) for lying supporting against an outer substrate.

Abstract: A remote controlled work robot including a remote controlled actuator and a support device therefor. The remote controlled actuator includes a spindle guide section of an elongated configuration, a distal end member fitted to a distal end of the spindle guide section through a distal end member coupling structure for alteration in attitude, and a drive unit housing connected with a base end of the spindle guide section. The distal end member rotatably supports a spindle for holding a tool. The support device includes a single degree-of-freedom system, in which the remote controlled actuator has a degree of freedom in one direction, or a multi-degrees-of-freedom system, in which the remote controlled actuator has a two or more degrees of freedom relative to a base on which the support device is installed. A drive source and is also provided for driving the degree-of-freedom system.

Abstract: A rotation device (12) for rotation of equipment (13) fastened at the region of a distal end of a boom (9,11), which has a general longitudinal axis, and which is part of a boom device (3) which is fastenable to a carrier (2) for a mining or constructions work rig, wherein the rotation device includes a first rotation unit (R1) arranged to rotate the equipment around an axis (A1) which is essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the boom and a second rotation unit (R2) which is arranged to rotate the equipment around an axis (A2), which forms an angle with the longitudinal axis of the boom. The rotation units (R1, R2) are fastened to an angle unit (12?), which is included in the rotation device (12) and has rotational axes (A1, 21; A2,22) extending at an angle with respect to each other, and are connectable to the boom (9,11) as well as to said equipment (13). The invention also concerns a mining or constructions work rig and a boom.

Abstract: A drilling assembly for drilling pipe into a drilling surface using a drill bit. The drilling assembly comprises a power unit, a thrust frame, a means for moving the thrust frame, a rotary and carriage assembly and a microprocessor adapted to control the load on the drill based upon the level of mud pressure in the assembly. The drilling assembly is adapted to drill pipe at any angle relative to the drilling surface between substantially parallel to the drilling surface and substantially perpendicular to the drilling surface. The method comprises providing a such drilling assembly, placing a drill pipe onto the drilling assembly, moving the thrust frame to a desired drilling angle, moving the rotary and carriage assembly into direct contact with the drill pipe, applying rotational, thrust and pull-back forces to the drill pipe, drilling the pipe into the drilling surface and controlling the load on the drill bit.

Abstract: An excavation apparatus includes a support structure mountable to a truck bed, the support structure defining a longitudinal direction extending front-to-back of the truck bed, and a lateral direction extending side-to-side of the truck bed. The apparatus further includes a rotary spindle pivotably supported by the support structure at a first pivot joint defining a generally horizontal first pivot axis, the spindle extending lengthwise along a spindle axis and rotatable thereabout for driving a cutting head; the spindle pivotable about the horizontal first pivot axis between a stowed position wherein the spindle axis is generally horizontal, and a deployed position wherein the spindle axis is generally vertical. The support structure includes a first adjustment device for adjusting the position of the spindle in the longitudinal direction when deployed, and a second adjustment device for adjusting the position of the spindle in the lateral direction when deployed.

Abstract: A lifting device such as a mobile crane having a main body and a boom, such as a lattice boom, for supporting a pile lead for, e.g., pile driving or continuous flight auger drilling, and a method of using same. A hydraulically operated mechanical spotter arm may be attached between the device body and the pile lead. Electronic position sensors on the spotter arm may be used to measure angular relationships between the pile lead and the spotter arm. Position sensors on a boom box on the boom may also be used. When the pile lead is swung, information from the sensors may be used by an electronic control system to automatically maintain the pile lead in a desirable position, limiting torque induced in the boom. The boom box position sensors may be used to counter-steer the spotter arm to further limit torque. The boom box may also be fitted with rubber springs to permit controlled pile lead deflection while limiting load transmitted to the boom.

Abstract: A pile driver including an apparatus for allowing relative movement between a hammer and a boom of an excavator. The apparatus includes a mounting plate mounted to the boom that interfits with and is slidable with respect to a frame rail mounted to the hammer. In operation, the hammer is placed on top of a pile and, as the pile is driven downwardly, the hammer follows the pile. Owing to the relative movement between the boom of the excavator and the hammer, the hammer follows the pile without requiring continuous downward readjustment of the boom. In one embodiment, the mounting plate assembly does not extend substantially above the hammer frame. In another embodiment, the hammer can rotate with respect to the boom. In one embodiment, the hammer includes a ram, a cylinder for lifting the ram, and rotation-resistant cable connecting the ram and the cylinder.

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: A rotational float system (44) that is meant to be used with existing side load protection systems and that may be selectively operated to permit a digger derrick rotation motor (20) or other rotatable equipment to freely rotate toward a side load to ease operation of and prevent damage to the digger derrick (10) and to assist in the correct installation of screw anchors. The rotational float system (44) includes valve structure (46) interposed between the ports (32, 34) of a hydraulic rotation motor (20) and a control mechanism (48) for selectively opening and closing the valve structure (46). The valve structure (46) is normally biased to a closed position and the control mechanism (48) is normally open. When the control mechanism (48) is operated, it opens the valve structure (46) to connect the ports (32, 34) of the rotation motor (20) to one another.

Abstract: A rotational float system (44) that is meant to be used with existing side load protection systems and that may be selectively operated to permit a digger derrick rotation motor (20) or other rotatable equipment to freely rotate toward a side load to ease operation of and prevent damage to the digger derrick (10) and to assist in the correct installation of screw anchors. The rotational float system (44) includes valve structure (46) interposed between the ports (32, 34) of a hydraulic rotation motor (20) and a control mechanism (48) for selectively opening and closing the valve structure (46). The valve structure (46) is normally biased to a closed position and the control mechanism (48) is normally open. When the control mechanism (48) is operated, it opens the valve structure (46) to connect the ports (32, 34) of the rotation motor (20) to one another.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for displacing a load (14) comprising a mobile support (12) adapted to support a load and exert on the load a force in a given direction, and device for mechanical balancing (10) interposed between the mobile support (12) and the load (14) so as to compensate the weight of the load and allow movements of slight amplitude of the load in a direction parallel to the load. The device is particularly useful for manoeuvring stakes, such as sheet piles and the like. The balancing device (10) can alternatively be integrated between the mobile support (12) and a vibration generator (46) to isolate the support from the vibrations generated by the vibration generator.

Abstract: A rock drilling rig has a carrier (1) provided with a service platform (7) arranged on a service boom (6). The service boom has a number of relatively movable boom sections (33, 36). The service platform (7) is connected to the service boom (6) by a parallelogram mechanism (22). The service platform (7) is arranged to the side of a swing plane of the parallelogram mechanism (22) to prevent collisions between the service platform and the service boom.

Abstract: A drilling rig (10) having a boom (12) supporting a leader (36). The leader (36) is pivotally attached to the boom and is moveable between a generally upright orientation and a generally horizontal orientation for the purposes of transportation by a vehicle (11). Hydraulic rams (33) cause linear movement of the leader relative to the boom while the hydraulic ram (33) causes tilting of the boom about a generally horizontally axis.

Abstract: A system for driving a large diameter caisson into the ground, comprising a crane assembly, a plurality of vibratory devices, a clamp assembly, a suspension assembly, and a timing system. Each vibratory device generates a vibratory force. The clamp assembly rigidly secures each of the vibratory devices to one of a plurality of predetermined angularly spaced locations about the caisson. The suspension assembly connects the vibratory devices to the crane assembly such that transmission of vibratory forces from the vibratory devices to the crane assembly is inhibited. The timing system operatively connects the plurality of vibratory devices to synchronize the vibratory forces generated thereby.

Abstract: A doweling hole drilling machine includes a vehicle such as a tractor having a frame pivotally mounted to the side of the tractor. The frame is moveable around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle from a first horizontal orientation to a second vertical orientation, and the raising or lowering of the frame is powered by hydraulic cylinders. Positioned on the frame is a plurality of parallel mounted spaced drilling machines, each of which is positioned for drilling a hole perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Each of the drilling machines is mounted on a drive assembly for moving the machine axially to thereby force a drill bit in the machine to drill a hole. The frame is laterally adjustable in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tractor and the lateral adjustment is hydraulically powered. The frame is also horizontally adjustable to position the drills to bore at the desired depth into a slab of concrete.

Abstract: A power feed system for a rotary drill includes a hollow tubular derrick having a powerhead connected to a flexible cable moved by a double rod hydraulic cylinder assembly. The derrick includes fixed and movable sheaving assemblies. The hydraulic rod assembly, the fixed and movable assemblies operate substantially within the derrick interior. A guide wheel on the movable sheaving contacts the derrick to maintain axial alignment of the hydraulic rods. Pivotable connections between the cable and the movable sheaves automatically adjust for cable fleet angle change, as the movable sheaves travel, maintaining axial alignment of the hydraulic rods and avoiding introducing torque into the cylinder rods.

Abstract: A doweling hole drilling machine includes a vehicle such as a tractor having a frame pivotally mounted to the side of the tractor. The frame is moveable around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle from a first horizontal orientation to a second vertical orientation, and the raising or lowering of the frame is powered by hydraulic cylinders. Positioned on the frame are a plurality of parallel mounted spaced drilling machines, each of which is positioned for drilling a hole perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Each of the drilling machines is mounted on a drive assembly for moving the machine axially to thereby force a drill bit in the machine to drill a hole. The frame is also laterally adjustable in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tractor and the lateral adjustment is also hydraulically powered.

Abstract: An improved feed shell positioning mechanism for a rock drilling machine, having a boom, a feed shell support pivotably mounted with respect to the boom and supporting a feed shell having a feed shell axis, a roll actuator interposed between the boom and the feed shell support, and a rock drill having a rock drill axis. The rock drill axis and the feed shell axis are parallel and define a reference plane. The improvement resides in a swivel assembly for attaching the feed shell support to the roll actuator, allowing the feed shell support to swivel between a forward drilling orientation and a sideways drilling orientation. The swivel assembly has a roll actuator securing element, mounted to the roll actuator, and a feed shell support securing element, mounted to the feed shell support, which are pivotably mounted to each other about a swivel pivot axis which is inclined with respect to the reference plane.

Abstract: Augering device is disclosed which is useful for drilling holes in the ground at various angles under relatively low overhead or ceiling conditions. The device is suitable for mounting on a wide variety of vehicles ranging from the bed of small pickup trucks to very large track type caterpillars with booms. The device has an extendable mast powered by a downcrowding mechanism, a kelly assembly, and a kelly rotating mechanism. The extendable mast has a first mast member and a second mast member. A downcrowding hydraulic cylinder extends the second mast member away from the first mast member and pulls the second mast member towards the first mast member. The telescoping kelly sections include at least an outer kelly section and an inner kelly section. The outer kelly section has an axis parallel to but spaced apart from the axis of the first mast member. A bearing rotatable supports the outer kelly section and prevents axial displacement of the outer kelly section relative thereto.

Abstract: Device for driving piles, preferably poles, into a foundation. The device for ramming pole foundations limits idle times between ramming operations and takes the form of a self-propelled rail-road or dual purpose vehicle that can be driven on rails laid on a ballast or over a road surface and the vehicle can swivel over 360.degree. with a top in relation to the undercarriage, with an operation cabin, a counter weight and a hoisting arm being arranged on the noted top, with a turning and tilting unit being provided at a free end of the hoisting arm, with a leader having a rammer mounted in a guiding unit, wherein, in the working position, the leader stands vertically and the top is turned 90.degree. with respect to the direction of the rails and, when the ramming operation is finished, the leader is centrally clamped by the guiding unit and is turned 90.degree.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing soil in a subterranean earth situs. The apparatus includes a parallelogram spotter or positioning portion with a drilling table support portion connected thereto. A rotary drilling table is mounted on the drilling table support portion. Relative movement is provided between the support portion and the positioning portion in a plurality of planes. A pivotation portion is disposed between the support portion and the positioning portion and pivotally connected thereto. Hydraulic cylinders are provided to shift the apparatus about a vertical axis, to move the drilling table support portion in a longitudinal direction, to tilt the pivotation portion and support portion about a horizontal axis and to tip the support portion with respect to the pivotation portion about a longitudinal axis. A table elevation winch is mounted on the support portion and has a table elevation cable extending therefrom which is engaged with a pulley connected to the support portion.

Abstract: A vertical drilling boom for a rock drilling equipment includes a vertical boom (2) mounted at its lower end turnably about a horizontal shaft (6) with respect to a carrier (1) of the rock drilling equipment. The vertical boom (2) comprises two boom portions (2a, 2b) mounted longitudinally slideably with respect to each other and an actuating device (2c) for displacing the boom portions (2a, 2b) with respect to each other to adjust the length of the boom (2). An actuating device (7a, 7b) for turning the boom (2) about the shaft (6) and a boom head (3) for turning a feeding beam (12) of a rock drilling machine mounted to the boom (2) about a shaft (5) transverse, preferably perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis of the boom (2) are provided. Motors (5a, 5b) are provided for turning the boom head (3).

Abstract: Apparatus that mounts on a standard construction vehicle, such as a crawler or a backhoe. The apparatus drives piles, including sheet piles, that typically are used for bulkheading and earth fortification. A hydraulic cylinder with a downward extendable piston is fixed on a leader and the hydraulic pressure drives the piles. The apparatus is self-erecting and transportable on the construction vehicle.

Abstract: A post driver has a combination of hydraulically operable orthogonal and angular mechanical carriages giving five degrees of motion of the driving hammer for the setting of posts in various soils and terrain slopes. Adjustment of the carriages allows accurate location of posts in a fence line that is offset from the line of travel of the supporting tractor. The structure of the apparatus provides distributed weight to both sides of the tractor to assure its stability and safety for operations over variable terrain slopes. A post sleeve and holding bar contain the posts for hands-off driving and also provide means for overcoming post misalignment due to variable density and stony soils. A damping device is added to the impact hammer mechanisms.

Abstract: An active counterbalance for suspending a power swivel from a traveling block. The power swivel includes a motor drive assembly for rotating a drill string and a handling system for supporting a drill pipe. The counterbalance includes a motor which provides means for biasing the load capacity of the counterbalance when supporting the power swivel to allow vertical displacement of the power swivel relative to the traveling block. The counterbalance prevents damage to connecting or sealing surfaces when adding pipe to or removing pipe from the drill string because most of the weight of the power swivel and pipe suspending from the handling system is transferred to the counterbalance.

Abstract: A top driven driling unit including a motor drive assembly for rotating a drill string and a handling system for supporting the drill string. The motor drive assembly includes a drill motor, a swivel bearing for supporting the load of the drill string during drilling and a sub assembly for connecting the drill motor to the drill string. The handling system includes a housing for supporting the swivel bearing, a handling ring, a stem for supporting the load of the drill string during tripping, an elevator, elevator links for supporting the elevator from the handling ring, a traveling block, and support links for supporting the housing from the traveling block. The structural relationship between the handling ring, the stem, and the housing provides an alternative load path for elevator loads during tripping or when running well casing liner that bypasses the swivel bearing.

Abstract: A heavy duty, mobile drilling machine is disclosed based on a track type vehicle having a rotatable turntable, an operator station and other vehicle machinery being arranged along opposite sides of the turntable to form a central open channel, a boom being pivotably connected to the turntable and arranged in the channel, the boom being of a telescoping type having an extendable and retractable portion forming a chamber for receiving water or other ballast, a drill implement being mounted on a forward end of the extendable boom portion by relative transverse pivots with respective motors or jacks providing for 360.degree. adjustment of the drill implement, the telescoping nature of the boom and the other controls for the drilling implement, boom and turntable permitting use of the drilling implement in a wide variety of operating positions.

Abstract: A top drive well drilling apparatus, having a drive unit for rotating a drill string. The drive unit is connected to a carriage, which guides the drive unit along a vertical guide track. A wrench assembly, for making and breaking connections between the stem of the drive unit and the drill string, can be moved between a working position along the stem and a retracted position away from the stem. The wrench assembly can also be moved vertically, and is mounted on the carriage.

Abstract: The machine comprises an automobile vehicle provided with a pivoting boom to which is pivotably mounted a beam carrying a pivotally mounted swingle-bar to which is coupled a rotary plate for supporting a frame provided with guiding uprights for a sawing unit. Hydraulic cylinders and motors are provided for adjusting respective positions of the boom, beam, swingle-bar, rotary plate and motor means of the sawing unit. Means are provided to maintain the frame in a fixed position when working a sawing step.

Abstract: A rock drilling machine is swingably carried on a pivotable drill boom. The rock drilling machine is fed along a drilling axis in response to a feeding movement applied by the drill boom. A set angle value is fed to a servo control system. During drilling, an actual angle value in the form of the angular position in space of the rock drilling machine is fed to the servo control system. The servo control system governs continuously a positioning motor which positions the rock drilling machine relative to the drill boom in such a way that the actual and set values coincide, thereby causing the rock drilling machine to follow the drilling axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile drilling rig providing a rotation head which is small enough to fit between the mast members of the rig. Arrangements are made to pivot back the rotation head to give access to the drill line of the rig. The mast members can be pivotted on a frame to place them into the drilling and travelling position respectively.

Abstract: Well drilling apparatus including a powered drilling unit connectable to the upper end of a drill string and adapted to rotate it to drill a well, and a vertically extending guide track structure which guides the drilling unit for movement along the axis of the well, with a portion of the guide track structure being mounted for swinging movement between a drilling position in which the drilling unit is aligned with the axis of the well and a slightly inclined position in which the track structure guides the drilling unit for movement along an inclined axis in alignment with a mousehole, and with the drilling unit also preferably being mounted for movement to a laterally retracted position at a side of the well in which it leaves an area along the axis of the well unobstructed for use of conventional hoisting equipment in making a `round trip` of the drill string out of and then back into the well.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile drilling rig providing a rotation head which is small enough to fit between the mast members of the rig. Arrangements are made to pivot back the rotation head to give access to the drill line of the rig. The mast members can be pivotted on a frame to place them into the drilling and travelling position respectively.

Abstract: A drill steel guide or clamp for use with mine roof drilling and bolting machines which guides and clamps the drill steel relative to a standard but which can be kicked out of the way by the advancing drill pod after which time the guide is no longer required for the particular bolt hole being drilled. The clamped guide comprises a clevis body pivotally secured to the standard having two retaining arms individually pivotally mounted to the clevis for rotation into clamping and guiding relation with the drill steel. A unique palm lock comprises extensions for embracing the retaining arms to prevent rotation of the arms out of guiding relationship with the drill steel. The palm lock is arranged to be unlatched when struck by the drill pod or kick plate attached thereto as the drill pod pushes the guide out of the way as it advances.

Abstract: A building machine wherein a leader is supported vertically during an operation, an endless chain is engaged around upper and lower sprockets of said leader, and a base body is mounted on said chain and is forced to move vertically along said leader. A pile which is a member to be driven in, is mounted on a pile holding portion of said base body.

Abstract: A brake release arrangement by which damage which otherwise would result from the application of excessive side loading to rotating equipment such as the boom of a digger derrick or crane is avoided. The drive system for rotating the boom includes a hydraulic motor, a non self-locking speed reducer and a spring applied, hydraulically releasable brake. Included in the brake release mechanism is a line which taps into the hydraulic line leading to the power equipment mounted on the boom and whose operation develops side loads. An adjustable pressure reducing valve in the tap line provides a fluid output at a reselected pressure to a small chamber in the brake housing. The pressurized fluid in the chamber acts on a piston which, when the side loading on the boom is great enough to cause damage, partially relaxes the brake force thus to permit slippage and back drive of the speed reducer and motor thereby to relieve the side load torque.

Abstract: A drilling machine and relatively small mast are mounted on a pivotal support which permits the drilling machine, mast and drill pipe employed in the assembly to be inclined as required to drill a non-vertical bore hole. The drilling machine is preferably a fluid pressure-operated snubber device which includes a stationary lower gripping head and a vertically reciprocable, upper gripping head operable for rotating drill pipe and for running the drill pipe into and out of the well bore. An internal drill string anchor carried by a traveling block suspended in the mast engages and supports the upper end of the drill string extending from the snubber and also provides drilling fluids to the string. A rotatable seal and support assembly in the anchor maintains a fluid seal and permits the drill pipe to rotate relative to the non-rotating traveling block.

Abstract: A known triangular rock drill mounting comprising a drill feed leg pivoted to a vertical support with an adjustable counterbalancing arm is modified. The counterbalancing arm is a piston and cylinder fed with compressed air. The admission of compressed air is controlled by a valve with an actuating handle. The valve is so constructed that when a given triangular configuration is reached, constant pressure is restored in the cylinder by means of negative feed-back.

Abstract: A wheeled or crawler-type vehicle carries a support structure for a drilling apparatus such as used in rock drilling. The support structure includes a tower enclosing a rotary rack for drill rods which may be screwed together by cone threads to form a drill string. The tower is attached to a subtower that can be swivelled relative to the support structure for drilling in any desired angular position. Various devices greatly facilitate the storing and handling of each topmost drill rod. There are transverse drives as well as centering, gripping and retaining means, preferably operated by fluid cylinders, for moving the rotary rack and for transferring the respective drill rod from or to nesting seats in the rotary rack that can be revolved stepwise into accurate juxtaposition with a transfer aperture at the drilling center in line with the drilling head. The latter may be provided with an auxiliary motor to increase the effective torque for heavy duty, e.g.

Abstract: Telescopic columns for making foundations including in reciprocal coordination and cooperation a motor group comprising at least two guide pulleys having a proportion to each other of one to two; inner and outer movable columns; axially immovable canoe guide means surrounding said columns; a chain secured to the two ends of the outer movable column and driven by the smaller of said pulleys; a chain secured to the lower part of the inner movable column and to the upper part of the axially immovable guide canoe means and driven by the larger pulley; a cable connecting the upper part of the inner movable column to the lower part of the axially immovable guide canoe means and a transmission sheave solidly fixed to the lower part of the outer movable column through which passes said cable.

Abstract: A drill mast support assembly having a drill mast pivotable between a drilling and a non-drilling position and including elongated rigid brace means for stabilizing the mast in the drilling position. The brace means are connected to the mast by support means which provide for a compact assembly when the mast in the non-drilling position and permit the brace means to be automatically positioned as the drill mast is moved to the drilling position. Lock means are further provided for preventing relative movement between the mast and the brace means when the mast is in the drilling position.

Abstract: A penetrometer frame for mounting on, for example, a truck and comprising a fixed part provided with slides which guide a moving part in the form of a frame which itself serves as a guide for a driving hammer and which may be raised or lowered by two hydraulic rams. The fixed part of the frame is pivoted on a platform about a horizontal pivot offset from the point where tubes are inserted or removed. The arrangement is such that extending the rams causes the penetrometer frame to pivot and allows access to the position at which tubes are inserted or removed.

Abstract: An augering machine and method for underground mining of minerals by selectively cutting shallow cylindrical kerfs into the face of a mine entry, comprising a wheeled vehicle having an independently elevatable side arm which carries a cutter head and an attached auger flight, a motor for rotation thereof, and a flight-advancing sump device. A selectively controllable operator-warming system that is usable for any hydraulically operated machine is also provided.