Abstract: In the particular embodiments of the invention described herein there is disclosed apparatus for loading particulate material into a train of coupled rail cars. The apparatus includes open topped rail cars which carry a continuous rail track of rails which are attached to the upper edges of the cars, a loading car which carries a ramp which leads from a low level to the track on the rail cars, a bucket loader and perhaps a conveyor for loading a self propelled load distribution vehicle which is adapted to run under its own power on the ramp and the track.

Abstract: A load distribution vehicle which is adapted to run on a rail track on or over a train of open topped cars for the purpose of loading the cars with particulate material such as mineral ore, broken rock, sand, granular food stuff or the like. The vehicle consists of a bottom discharge hopper which includes a self contained power source for driving the vehicle on its rail track and opening and closing its load discharge doors. The wheels of the vehicle are rotatable on vertical axes and are dish shaped to provide the vehicle with an abnormal transverse movement capacity on its track to enable it to negotiate sharp kinks in its track.

Abstract: A loader comprises a bucket at the end of a dipper arm swinging from a cross-member on an upstanding yoke. The dipper arm swings between the uprights to the yoke for the bucket to pick up material on one side and deposit it on the other side. A winch actuates the bucket to dig and lift on the one side and a cam causes the bucket to turn upside down on the other side to deposit its load. The yoke can lean to the one side to extend the reach of the dipper arm and can slew about a vertical axis. The yoke can center itself when the dipper arm swings to the other side. For travelling the whole assembly can fold into a compact bundle.

Abstract: This invention concerns an implement for a hydraulic excavator comprising essentially a ripper and a scoop wherein these implements may independently fulfill their respective operations while both are mounted on the dipper arm. The scoop may be swung rearwardly behind the ripper when the latter is in use and will form part of the face of the scoop when the scoop is in use. Relative movement between the scoop and ripper is effected essentially by an auxilliary hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly on the excavator.