Abstract: A skyline logging system which uses an improved carriage which can traverse intermediate supports, which can lift both ends of a load of logs, which has a telescoping center beam to accommodate different lengths of logs, which carries an on-board engine so that it is self contained as to power to haul logs up to the carriage, and which is radio controlled so that a man on the ground can perform all of the logging operations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mobile land vehicles having a boom assembly, and more particularly to vehicles used for felling and handling trees on steep mountainous terrain. The vehicle of this invention includes apparatus for providing multi-directional relative movement between a conventional tread assembly of the caterpillar type and a swing-house assembly which includes a boom subassembly supporting tree-felling and handling equipment, so that the swing-house assembly is maintained in a substantially level relationship with the horizontal, regardless of the inclination of the ground on which the vehicle rides, and so that the center of gravity of the vehicle is optimized by weight transfer corresponding to the type of ground inclination encountered.

Abstract: A self-releasing coupling includes a casing body (14) to which is attached a cap portion (16) and in which a grasping mechanism (50) is movably positioned. The grasping mechanism includes grapple arms (80) rockably mounted on a piston (52) and held thereon by a snap ring (112). Springs (120, 124) bias the piston forward and aft of the casing body and a cap shoulder (28) and keys (42) move the snap ring forward and aft of grapple arm fulcrums (86) to bias the grapple arms into an element grasping or into an element releasing/receiving configuration. Each grapple arm includes a ramp (142) which engages a chamfer (150) on a casing seating shoulder (40) to increase the grasping force on an element as the pull or tension on that element increases.

Abstract: An improved carriage for use in a skyline logging system simultaneously utilizing more than one load cable wth the same carriage for connecting to and dragging separate "turns" of logs from the area in which they were felled to a landing area next to the yarder machine.

Abstract: A ball stop is locked to a cable by inserting the cable through an opening in the ball. The ball is then rigidly clamped in place by a wedge which is inserted into the aperture surrounding the cable and threads in the aperture and on the external part of the wedge mate and are screwed together to cam the wedge into frictional engagement with the cable.

Abstract: An improved carriage for use in a skyline logging system simultaneously utilizing more than one load cable with the same carriage for connecting to and dragging separate "turns" of logs from the area in which they were felled to a landing area next to the yarder machine.

Abstract: A skyline logging system wherein a skyline cable is supported at an intermediate location by an intermediate support assembly and a logging carriage is supported on the cable and is arranged to pass over the intermediate support assembly. The carriage has inwardly tapered pulleys which ride on oppositely bevelled tracks on the top edges of an upwardly-facing channel shaped member forming part of the intermediate support assembly. The top edges have ramp-like end portions. The carriage is lifted off the cable and rides on the bevelled tracks when crossing over the intermediate support assembly. The carriage can tilt laterally relative to the intermediate support assembly while riding on the bevelled tracks because of the lateral movability of the tapered pulleys on the oppositely bevelled tracks, whereby to maintain stability during passage of the carriage over the intermediate support.

Abstract: A skyline intermediate support for use in cable logging systems and a logging carriage are shown and described. The intermediate skyline support permits the skyline cable to pass freely through the intermediate support while positively retaining the cable on the support, and allows the logging carriage to pass over the top of the intermediate support, with freedom to allow for a rocking motion in the carriage.

Abstract: A log handling attachment for a bulldozer or similar vehicle consisting of a bracket assembly arranged to be detachably mounted on the rear portion of the vehicle and carrying a horizontally rotatable articulated boom provided with hydraulic cylinders for moving the pivoted parts of the boom, and provided with a hydraulically-driven gear and sprocket chain system for swinging the boom around a vertical axis through a wide angular range. A hydraulic winch is mounted on the boom, having a long cable running through sheaves on the boom and provided with a log-engaging tool at the end of the cable. Operating power is derived from the power take-off shaft of the vehicle.

Abstract: An intermediate supporting device for a logging cable for supporting the cable above ground at an intermediate location. The device is arranged to permit a logging carriage to travel past the intermediate location substantially without being obstructed by the device. The device consists of a supporting sheave assembly supported on a transverse line extending between two intermediate spars or spar trees. A first horizontal shaft is swivelly connected to the lower end of the sheave assembly. A normally vertical link bar is pivotally connected at its top end to the first shaft and is pivotally connected at its bottom end to a second horizontal shaft which is parallel to the first shaft. Rigidly secured perpendicularly to the second shaft beneath the supporting sheave assembly is a support body member having spaced transverse vertical flanges with horizontally aligned peripherally grooved pulleys journalled therebetween, the flanges having holes to receive a haulback line engaged in the grooves of the pulleys.