Abstract: An apparatus for holding and positioning a cable is used to help splice large diameter multi-conductor cable end portions to each other. The apparatus includes a support frame having a first clamping mechanism for clamping a first cable end portion movably positioned on one end of the support frame and a second clamping mechanism for clamping a second cable end portion positioned on the support frame proximate the other end. After the individual strands of the cable end portions are spliced together, the first clamping mechanism is moved away from the second clamping mechanism, stretching the spliced section of the cable end portions, drawing individual conductors together so that the spliced section of the cable end portions can be properly reinsulated.

Abstract: An improved walking mechanism for supporting and moving heavy equipment such as a strip mining drag line. The mechanism has a frame with a base pad attached to the frame for supporting the equipment on the ground. To move the equipment, a pair of conventional side pads are actuated with a crank arrangement to engage the ground and lift the base pad and frame off of the ground for stepping movement of the equipment horizontally with respect to the ground. The improvement comprises a cross pad positioned adjacent the forward or loaded end of the frame which is simultaneously actuated to engage the ground and provide partial support for the weight of the equipment when the side pads are actuated. The cross pad is pivotally connected to a force actuator, which in turn is pivotally connected to the frame. The force actuator is operated to extend and retract the cross pad horizontally and vertically between the frame and the ground.