Abstract: A horizontal pipe ramming system includes a hydraulic crowd system. A hydraulic percussive hammer is mounted on a carriage that is urged forward by hydraulic cylinders acting between the carriage and an abutment. The continuity of crowd is enhanced by a compressive resilient assembly that releases its energy to the hammer to keep it in contact with the pipe after impact.

Abstract: A pipe extraction machine can be used to remove a buried pipe from the ground. The machine has a carriage with jaws that grip the buried pipe. While gripped, the carriage moves relative to a support structure to pull the pipe out of the ground. Jaws are actuated by rotating clamp plates and maintained in opposition by static horizontal grooves. The jaws remain opposed and aligned during rotation of the clamp plates. A pipe shear may remove the pipe one piece at a time. A pipe puller can be used at the back end of the pipe being removed to simultaneously install a new pipe along the same path.

Abstract: A silencer for silencing the driving of piles into the bed of a body of water is configured to fit around a pile, and has a first tube; a second tube inserted inside and spaced apart from the first tube, both the first and second tube being longer than the depth of the bed of the body of water on which they are to rest; and a bottom wall, which is joined hermetically to respective ends of the first and second tube to form a gap between the first and second tube, and is configured to rest on the bed of the body of water.

Abstract: Forcing equipment meant for forcing piles, steel profiles and other elongated objects into the ground which forcing equipment comprises a body (1) which can be attached to a working machine, a vibration device (6) attached to the body (1) with the help of damper cushions (9) and moveable grip jaws (10) adjusted to the mentioned vibration device (6) in order to grip the object to be forced at least with a side grip. The body (1) comprises an upper part (2) including an attachment arrangement (4), (5) for attaching it to the working machine and side parts directed from the upper part (2) downwards between which side parts the vibration device (6) and grip jaws (10); (17, 18) can be attached through cassette (7) comprising damping rubbers (9) in which case the attachments comprise pin/hole attachments (11, 23, 14); (20, 8) or (21, 8) which can be opened by detaching the mentioned pins (11, 20, 21).

Abstract: A retaining assembly for a cylindrical member and support sleeve in the bore of a component of a DTH. The cylindrical member and support sleeve may, for example, be a foot valve assembly for insertion into a counter bore in a bit. The cylindrical member has a cylindrical member rigidity and at least a portion of the support sleeve has a rigidity greater than the cylindrical member rigidity. A gap is provided between the sleeve and the component bore of the DTH. The cylindrical member deforms in the gap, resulting in the cylindrical member being fixedly sandwiched between the support sleeve and the component bore.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a chain driven reciprocating hammer is disclosed. The chain driven reciprocating hammer includes a chain system for lifting a ram to a drop point. The chain system includes a plurality of sprockets and a chain with at least one mesh link to mesh with the ram. Additionally, the chain driven reciprocating hammer includes an adjustable tandem release sprocket mechanism. Also, the chain driven reciprocating hammer includes a center and clamping mechanism configured to secure a work input.

Abstract: A utility control device, such as a light socket, a switch or a plug socket, is designed with universal terminals so that when plugged into a pre-wired utility box (box socket), the terminals will make the proper electrical connections with the premises wiring. Systems and methods are disclosed for arranging the premises power grid such that any device type can be “plugged” into the shells that are pre-wired inside the utility box.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of securing a shaft at any point along its substantially vertical axis of movement, wherein the method includes a locking device that is moveable with respect to the shaft. The method is characterised by the step of moving the locking device into a position wherein at least one face of the locking device mates against at least one point on the shaft so as to secure the shaft at any point along its substantially vertical axis of movement. In particular this invention relates to a method of securing a drop hammer at any point along its substantially vertical axis by use of a hydraulically controlled cam.

Abstract: A downhole tool for generating a longitudinal mechanical load. In one embodiment, a downhole hammer is disclosed which is activated by applying a load on the hammer and supplying pressurizing fluid to the hammer. The hammer includes a shuttle valve and piston that are moveable between first and further position, seal faces of the shuttle valve and piston being released when the valve and the piston are in their respective further positions, to allow fluid flow through the tool. When the seal is releasing, the piston impacts a remainder of the tool to generate mechanical load. The mechanical load is cyclical by repeated movements of the shuttle valve and piston.

Abstract: A jackhammer system for reducing the vibration and noise experienced by an operator of the jackhammer. The jackhammer system includes a housing, a chisel movably positioned within a lower neck of the housing, a pair of flywheels rotatably attached to a pair of support brackets, a ram slidably positioned within a guide channel and engageable by the flywheels to engage the chisel, a plurality of elastic members attached to the ram, and an actuator mechanically connected to the support brackets for controlling a position of the flywheels. An upper sensor and a lower sensor determine the position of the ram within the guide channel. An engaging plate supported by a plurality of compression springs receives the downwardly impact of the ram when driving the chisel downwardly. A recoil absorber having a recoil spring is attached to an upper portion of the housing for absorbing the recoil of the ram.

Abstract: A log splitter comprising: a base; a lever having one end portion hingably attached to the base; a wedge slidably attached to a hinged end portion of the lever, to slidably reciprocate along the lever when the lever is swung; a log support for a cut log; and, an upper end log restraint slidably positioned on the lever, said log restraint having a pawl, and the lever having teeth therealong, so that the log restraint can only slide towards the cut log. When the lever is swung down the wedge is forced into the cut log, and when the lever is lifted the wedge is slidably pulled back along the lever thereby pulling the now partially split log so that the upper end log restraint freely slides along the lever. When the lever is again pushed downwardly the cycle is repeated. The lever may be pushed with a foot pedal.

Abstract: A drill head for holding a drill steel includes a drill housing having an internal cavity defined by an upper opening and a lower portion with a lower opening extending therethrough. The internal cavity includes a pair of concentric axially aligned sleeves. An internal sleeve has an inner surface for receiving a drill steel and an outer tapered surface. An external sleeve has an internal tapered mating surface for receiving the internal sleeve. The drill head also includes a sliding member for receiving hydraulic pressure to move the internal sleeve on the tapered surface of the external sleeve into gripping engagement of the drill steel. A Belleville spring provides an opposing force to normally maintain the internal sleeve out of gripping engagement with the drill steel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for core drilling of concrete by resiliently mounting a hammer drill to a drill press or similar support frame using a recoil spring to maintain a driving force on the hammer drill. An air blower is positioned adjacent the core drilling bit to provide cooling of the bit and material removal from the core such that the bit no longer needs to be periodically withdrawn from the core for material removal. In a preferred embodiment, the support frame uses a screw jack to periodically move the resiliently mounted hammer drill. Use of an inexpensive electric blower and electric hammer drill allow semi-automatic remote operation, wherein the screw jack is turned to compress the recoil spring and then the blower and hammer drill are turned on from a remote distance by switching the electricity on. In this manner, the operator can operate the core drilling system without being subjected to the concrete dust and debris being blown from the core by the blower.

Abstract: A pneumatic ratchet drive wrench of the present invention includes a pair of single springs that each bias a corresponding pawl into engagement with an output member and inhibit counter-rotation of the output member opposite the corresponding pawl. The pawl and spring construction allows the wrench head to be smaller than conventional pneumatic ratchet drive wrenches, providing better wrench access into small spaces. The spring is inexpensively formed as one piece of spring wire having independent spring coils for biasing the pawl and inhibiting counter-rotation of the output member.

Abstract: An electrical extension cord includes a male plug convertible between standard residential or blade-type plug elements and twist-lock blade elements, and a female receptacle plug designed to accommodate both standard and twist-lock male plugs. The male plug includes a pivoting body member having a twist-lock set of blade elements on one end, and a residential or blade-type set of plug elements on the other end, such that the user can selectively rotate the body member to orient the desired set of plug elements outwards for use. The selected set of plug elements are placed in electrical contact with the corresponding common, hot, and ground wires in the extension cord by releasable capture of the terminals of the wires, as by the use of spring contacts at the base of the plug elements. The inventive female plug accommodates both blade-type and twist-lock male plugs by providing fixed, permanent receiving slots for the plug elements of each type.

Abstract: A draw vice includes a body having two handles, a center tube mounted in the body and driven to rotate a workpiece, a center tube rotating device pivoted to the body and controlled to rotate the center tube, and a center tube locking device adapted to lock the center tube against rotary motion, wherein the center tube rotating device includes a shell pivoted to the handles, an input gear, an output gear coupled to the center tube, a knob coupled to the input gear and adapted to rotate the center tube, and at least one transmission gear means coupled between the input gear and the output gear for enabling the center tube and the output gear to be rotated at a speed of rotation higher than the input gear.

Abstract: A pile driving apparatus for jack-in piling system according to the invention utilises two hydraulic cylinder barrels moving along two vertical support structures. An uppermost horizontal member is employed to maintain a working space in between the two vertical support structures. The actuating rods are fixed to the uppermost horizontal member. The cylinder barrels are free in guided movement, exerting a force on a working pile with the assistance of two drive heads. In a first stroke of piling action, the upper drive head is employed to drive half of the working pile into the ground. In a second stroke, the lower drive head is employed to drive the rest of the pile into the ground.

Abstract: A pipe gripping device is taught which is useful for moving pipe into and/or out of a well. The pipe gripping device includes a first set of slips for holding a pipe in a pipe light condition and a second set of slips for holding a pipe in a pipe heavy condition. The second set of slips are actuatable independently from the first set of slips. The pipe gripping device can include a slip moving system which prevents the slip carrier blocks from being driven outwardly against the housing, to thereby prevent the carrier blocks from locking, by being driven against the housing.

Abstract: A pipe gripping device is taught which is useful for moving pipe into and/or out of a well. The pipe gripping device includes a first set of slips for holding a pipe in a pipe light condition and a second set of slips for holding a pipe in a pipe heavy condition. The second set of slips are actuatable independently from the first set of slips. The pipe gripping device can include a slip moving system which prevents the slip carrier blocks from being driven outwardly against the housing, to thereby prevent the carrier blocks from locking, by being driven against the housing.

Abstract: A novel improvement in a tubular ram device for bi-directional driving of pipe casing, vertically or horizontally, wherein the driving hammer imparts the force to the pipe casing through a bowls-anvil and removable collet, thus allowing driving of sections of pipe casing without removing the tubular ram device or making any physical change to the pipe casing.

Abstract: An ground rod driver including a tubular ground rod receiver engaging a prime mover at one end and having a ratcheting ground rod driving member and a clamping setscrew disposed at an opposite end wherein a ground rod may be inserted, clamped at an initial position and subsequently be driven by releasing clamp forces and operating the prime mover in a repetitive series of downward thrusting moves whereby the ground rod is installed. The clamping setscrew of the ground rod driver may be additionally employed to remove embedded ground rods by clamping an exposed end of an embedded ground rod to the ground rod receiver wherein the prime mover extracts the ground rod from the earth by repetitively performing an upward motion followed by clamp release, and a downward motion followed by reclamping until the ground rod is freed from the earth.

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 pile driving apparatus comprises a base frame (1) having a platform (3) for supporting ballast (5). The base frame (1) is equipped with a leveling device (7). The pile driving apparatus comprises a column (11) positioned perpendicular with respect to the base frame and supported by steel supports (13). At the top of the column (11) is provided a lifting point (17). A pile loading device consists of a cradle arm (19) which is pivotally mounted at point (21) to the base frame (1) at the lower end of the column (11). A hydraulic jack (23) is operative for moving the cradle arm for loading piles to the device. A hydraulic piston (29) bears a load onto a jack thrust plate (33), which plate is connected to a transmission plate (35) by means of a shaped plate (77). The higher end of the transmission plate is ridgedly connected to a pile thrust plate (39) means of another shaped (41 ).

Abstract: A lightweight fastener driving tool capable of being battery powered utilizes a low cost fastener driving ram or blade that is normally located in a nip defined between a motor driven flywheel and an idler wheel. Upon the actuation of a trigger operated timing circuit, a solenoid is energized. The solenoid controls a toggle mechanism to adjust the position of the idler wheel with respect to the flywheel so as to force the blade against the flywheel and thereby to close the nip for a sufficient amount of time to initiate the driving of the blade downwardly through the nip. The timing circuit deenergizes the solenoid prior to the time that the blade exits the nip but the toggle mechanism maintains the idler wheel against the blade such that the blade continues to be driven by the flywheel. When the top of the blade exits the nip, the idler wheel can move towards the flywheel and the toggle mechanism releases the idler wheel so that the nip is open.

Abstract: A mobile device for forcing a highway post into the ground in the vertical position, especially where the highway post is flexible and made of fiberglass, which involves a vertical column spaced from and supported by the mobile device, guide means mounted on the vertical column to hold a reflective highway post in a vertical position while the post is forced into the ground by repetitive blows from a hydraulically driven hammer and means for moving the vertical column and the guide means upwards in a vertical direction when the post has been forced a sufficient distance into the ground.

Abstract: An electromechanical flywheel containing fastener driving tool. The tool comprises a frame supporting a housing, a guide body and a fastener containing magazine. A free floating driver within said frame. Forward and rearward flywheels are arranged in tandem within the tool frame with their peripheral surfaces opposed. A pair of beam-like arcuate load springs are located to either side of the frame. The load spring rearward ends carry bearings in which the shaft of the rearward flywheel is journaled. The load spring forward ends carry rotatable eccentric bearing housings in which the shaft of the forward flywheel is journaled. The bearing housings are rotatable to shift the forward flywheel between operative and inoperative positions wherein the opposed surfaces of the flywheels are spaced by a distance less than and a distance greater than the thickness of the driver, respectively.

Abstract: An under ground pipe installation apparatus includes a pair of spaced apart, longitudinally directed I-beams and a carriage slidable longitudinally along upper horizontal surfaces of the I-beams. A pair of hydraulic cylinders, one mounted with respect to each beam, reciprocate longitudinally extended rods, the free ends of which are secured to the carriage. A pair of opposed jaw assemblies are mounted pivotally relative to the carriage about respective transverse pivot axes, to enable their movement into and out of a closure position about a longitudinally extended pipe section. A pair of longitudinally extended coil springs, each attached at its rearward end to an associated one of the hydraulic cylinders, have free ends positioned to engage jaw actuator pins parallel to and laterally outward of the pivot axes, once the rearward traveling carriage reaches a predetermined location along the beams.

Abstract: An improved flywheel for an electromechanical tool such as a nailer or stapler. The tool is provided with a blade-like driver which is frictionally moved through a working stroke by an electrically driven flywheel, the driver being squeezed between the flywheel and a support element such as a counterrotating flywheel, a low inertia roller, or the like. The flywheel has a peripheral working surface with parallel edges. The working surface of the flywheel makes a line contact with the driver during the driving stroke. The flywheel is provided with at least one groove formed in and extending along its working surface. Throughout its length the groove is angularly related to the parallel edges of the flywheel working surface so that the groove traverses the line contact between the driver and the flywheel during each working stroke. This more efficiently prevents build-up of foreign material on the driver and flywheel and produces less and more uniform wear of the driver and flywheel.

Abstract: A high impact device, as for producing an impact of 1,000 foot pounds or more, includes a ram which is engageable by a pair of rotating flywheels. The ram may impact a tool, as of a chisel type adapted for demolition purposes, or having a enlarged head for percussion purposes, or other types or purposes. By terminating the engagement of the flywheels with the ram prior to its impact against a tool or similar object, the vibration normally associated with a demolition or percussion device is avoided. Such termination of engagement also reduces reverse shocks and conserves the energy of the rotating flywheels. In one embodiment, the flywheels are moved inwardly and outwardly of the ram through a linkage connected to a solenoid, with each flywheel supported between a pair of arms and alignment of the axis of each flywheel with the side of the corresponding ram being maintained by a torque tube extending between the arms.

Abstract: Compacting rod retainers are disposed on both sides of a web of the compacting rods and consist each of a bushing mounted on a drive shaft eccentrically, on which a carrier is slidably engaged, and cooperating with an associated clamping wedge. The opposite side of the clamping wedge cooperates correspondingly with the web of the compacting rod, so that upon an appropriate rotary motion of the shaft the carrier is moved translating the clamping wedge pressing against the web of the compacting rod, or releasing it. Thereby area pressure is attained, which makes possible the utilization of very heavy compacting rods.

Abstract: A device for driving nails, staples and similar fastening elements includes an electromotor for rotating a driving member. The rotation of the driving member is transferred to a driven member which, in turn, converts the rotational movement into translational movement. The rotational movement from the driving member to the driven member is effected for a limited time period by a clutch so that a drive stroke and a return stroke are carried out. A releasing device actuates the clutch.

Abstract: In the coking of coking coal according to the compression process the coking coal is compressed by power hammers before its introduction into the coke oven, whereby these hammers having elongated hammer rods are lifted by means of driven cam disks acting upon them by sections, and then released to drop. The cam shafts bearing the cam disks, corresponding to the number of power-hammer rods, are individually pivoted. Their bearing points on both sides of the hammer rods are movable synchronously and in the same direction and are uniformly actuated by a hydraulic system. Thereby, the individual cam shafts can be driven and pressed against the individual power-hammer rods, according to given data. An even and uniform lifting of all rods and power hammers is achieved by that.

Abstract: A device in pressure medium operated needle hammers, the needles (24) being arranged in a reciprocatingly movable working member (3) by at least one flexible holder member (31, 39) and, by a friction grip of the holder member being caused to follow the movements of the working member, but being permitted an axial play within predetermined limits through overcoming the frictional resistance. In addition, the rear portions of the needles can be arranged in a sealed chamber (34) filled with a hydraulic medium (35).

Abstract: In a device for gripping and lifting tamping tools or for holding raised tamping tools in a tamping machine, the individual tamping tools rods are clamped in abutments (2) by slideable clamping members (3). In the device for lifting tamping tools, a controllable working cylinder (6), connected to each abutment (2), raises and lowers the abutment (2). An additional non-controllable cylinder (5) is connected to the clamping member (3) which has cylinder chambers which are connected to a non-pressurized tank of working fluid. This cylinder (5) opposes the movement of the abutment (2) because of the volume displaced from the cylinder chambers. At the initiation of the lifting stroke, the clamping member (3) is pulled tightly into the abutment and thus the tamping tool rod is clamped and lifted along therewith. At the beginning of the lowering motion of the abutment (2), the clamping member is disengaged by the action of the cylinder (5), thus releasing the tamping tool (4).

Abstract: A device for driving nails and similar fastening elements includes a driver rod performing a reciprocating stroke-like movement for placing the nails. A rotating driving element transmits the driving power to the driver rod so that it carries out the stroke-like movement. During the nail driving operation, the rotating driving element is coupled with the driver rod by a carrier. The carrier is secured to the driving element and moves along an elongated path in converting the rotational movement of the driving element into the stroke-like movement of the driver rod.

Abstract: A rod-clamping device comprises an impact load transmission assembly which includes a housing having a through axial cavity and a system of jamming elements, a rocoil force take up assembly which includes a housing having a through axial cavity, a collar sleeve, and a system of jamming elements, and a resilient element adapted to urge the jamming elements in a direction counter to the forces being exerted, the impact load transmission assembly having a sleeve member, each system of the jamming elements in the two assemblies being forced to the housing and the rod being driven by a separate resilient element.

Abstract: A distinguishing feature of the present invention comprising a shell with side ports and an axial taper through cavity whose generatrix is inclined to the shell center line at an angle of less than the self-wedging angle, spring-biased gripping jaws accommodated in that cavity, levers installed in the shell ports and interacting by their inner ends with the gripping jaws consists in that the gripping tool is equipped with an abutment sleeve having an inside annular recess and installed on the shell external surface and a rubber shock absorber disposed between the recess upper surface and the outer ends of the levers.

Abstract: One or both of a pair of oppositely rotating bodies, such as motor driven flywheels, are mounted for pivotal movement against the side of a ram. One or more tension rods connect pivot shafts or members for equalizing precession and similar forces of rotating bodies, rather than housing. Pulsed solenoids produce force increased by force multiplying device, such as pivoted links or cable arrangement, which has greatest mechanical advantage when solenoid pull is weakest at start, but decreases as solenoid pull increases. Ram has entrance taper on one or both sides. Ram is returned by nylon sheathed bundle of elastomer cords which are looped around ram from both sides and stretch proportionally along their length. Removable guide rods engage holes in side wings of ram. Safety device is actuated by rod, moved through engagement with work piece, for closing safety switch in solenoid circuit. Alternatively, a block engages a ram wing to prevent impact stroke, but is removed by a similar rod.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electric impact tool characterized by a pair of electric motor-driven counterrotating flywheels, at least one of which is movable relative to the other from a retracted inoperative position into an extended operative one closely adjacent the other flywheel whereby a ram is squeezed therebetween and impelled forward at high speed against a workpiece. The nosepiece of the tool frame is retractable although normally extended due to the spring bias urging it and the movable flywheel to which it is mechanically linked into disengaged position. These elements cooperate with one another and with a manually-actuated trigger such that the latter must be depressed and the nosepiece retracted in order to engage the high energy friction clutch defined by the flywheels so as to operate the ram. A flywheel speed control is provided for matching the ram impact to the workload.

Abstract: The within improved innoculator is of the type that causes the injection of medication without a skin-penetrating needle, relying instead on a skin-penetrating jet produced by the force of a released compression spring, wherein the improvement resides in a mechanical device for effectively loading the spring of the innoculator.

Abstract: The guide frame of a post driver is supported in an adjusted position by the three-point hitch of a tractor and its driver element is displaced upwardly by a friction drive assembly carried by the guide frame and driven by a power take-off from the tractor. The guide frame is adjustably positioned both laterally and longitudinally of the forward direction of travel of the tractor vehicle.

Abstract: A pile driving apparatus comprises a base frame (1) having a platform (3) for supporting ballast (5). The base frame (1) is equipped with a leveling device (7). The pile driving apparatus comprises a column (11) positioned perpendicular with respect to the base frame and supported by steel supports (13). At the top of the column (11) is provided a lifting point (17). A pile loading device consists of a cradle arm (19) which is pivotally mounted at point (21) to the base frame (1) at the lower end of the column (11). A hydraulic jack (23) is operative for moving the cradle arm for loading piles to the device. A hydraulic piston (29) bears a load onto a jack thrust plate (33), which plate is connected to a transmission plate (35) by means of a shaped plate (77). The higher end of the transmission plate is ridgedly connected to a pile thrust plate (39) means of another shaped (41 ).