Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle comprising a chassis to which are coupled main wheels and relief wheels mounted on retractable supports and adapted either to increase the gauge of the main wheels of the vehicle, or to be retracted inside the width gauge of the chassis resting only on its main wheels. The main wheels are connected to the chassis by way of a soft suspension, whereas the left and right relief wheels are connected to their respective support by rigid elements only.

Abstract: The present invention is a hoisting winch that uses two motors, one a low-speed, high-torque hoisting motor and the other a high-speed, low-torque compensation motor. The motor shafts are connected to a cable drum by an epicycloidal gear trains. Uni-directional free-wheel assemblies are operatively connected to the motor shafts between the motors and an associated gear train. A first free wheel assembly includes a first driving element which is connected to the hoisting motor shaft and which drives a first driven element only in the drum unwinding direction. A second free wheel assembly includes a second driving element which is connected to the compensation motor shaft and which drives a second driven element driven only in the drum winding direction. Selectively appliable and releasable brakes resist rotation of the driven elements. An electrohydraulic control system controls the motors and brakes to allow the hoisting winch to be used in loading and unloading cargo from a ship.

Abstract: An improvement to large container handlers having a transportable platform. A powered positionable support arm is pivotally mounted on one end to the platform for vertical rotation. A L-shaped arm is pivotally mounted from the other end of the support arm to be vertically rotatable. A container gripping device is suspended from the L-shaped arm. In one embodiment, the support arm is mounted to move the L-shaped arm vertically as the support arm is rotated so as to, thereby, raise and lower a container without sidewards movement.

Abstract: Stabilization apparatus for a tower crane or other mobile equipment includes several telescopic structures.Each structure includes an inner telescopic part and an outer telescopic part and an actuator for moving the parts to a fully extended position. The inner telescopic part carries a plate which is applied in use to the ground and is controlled by a secondary telescopic structure.When the main telescopic structure is extended there is some sag so that a detector intended to indicate achievement of the extended position is not actuated. When the secondary telescopic structure is actuated and the plate is in firm contact with the ground the sag is corrected and the detector is actuated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a self-propelling construction machine comprising a frame provided with at least two groups of ground engaging members disposed and spaced longitudinally on said frame, either the front or rear end of the frame being provided with means for coupling to a tractor or articulated vehicle. The group of ground engaging members disposed near the end with the coupling means comprises a device for adjusting their height with respect to the frame, enabling them to retract away from the ground when said machine is coupled to the tractor, whereas the ground engaging members other than those disposed near the end with the coupling means are constituted by a wheel assembly which is irremovable whilst the machine is functioning. One application of the present invention is the production of a travelling crane.