Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a load transporting apparatus that is capable of being steered while transporting a load across a base surface. In particular, the load transporting apparatus includes a roller track configured to support movement of a roller assembly, and a support foot that is connected to the roller track with a pin connector. During load transport, the support foot can be maintained in a substantially similar position relative to a frame structure supporting the load even when the transport movement is not in a parallel direction to the orientation of the support foot.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a load transporting apparatus that automatically centers a support foot of the apparatus about a roller assembly during a recovery phase of an incremental walking movement. In particular, the load transporting apparatus includes guide devices positioned adjacent to a roller assembly that deflect a biasing device during non-linear load transporting movements, where the biasing device acts to automatically return the support foot to a centered position relative to the roller assembly after a non-linear movement has been completed and the support foot is raised above a ground surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a load transporting apparatus that automatically aligns a support foot of the apparatus with a load-bearing frame connected to the load transporting apparatus during a recovery phase of an incremental walking movement. In particular, the load transporting apparatus includes a linking device attached to a support foot of the apparatus and a biasing device connected to the linking device that is deflected during non-linear load transporting movements, where the biasing device acts to automatically return the support foot to an aligned position relative to the load-bearing frame after a non-linear movement has been completed and the support foot is raised above a ground surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for handling pipe includes an elongate frame structure for mounting on a ground surface, in which a carriage unit is mounted on the frame structure and is operable for selective and reciprocal shifting along the frame structure. A boom member mounted on the carriage unit is operable for selected pivotal movement relative to the carriage unit, and a plane generally parallel to the boom member's longitudinal axis, about a generally horizontal pivot axis oriented transverse to the direction of shifting of the carriage unit along the frame structure. An elongate pipe carrier mounted on the boom member as dimensioned for receiving pipe so that the pipe's longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the boom member and the pipe member, wherein the pipe carrier is operable for selective pivotal movement about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for handling pipe includes an elongate frame structure for mounting on a ground surface, in which a carriage unit is mounted on the frame structure and is operable for selective and reciprocal shifting along the frame structure. A boom member mounted on the carriage unit is operable for selected pivotal movement relative to the carriage unit, and a plane generally parallel to the boom member's longitudinal axis, about a generally horizontal pivot axis oriented transverse to the direction of shifting of the carriage unit along the frame structure. An elongate pipe carrier mounted on the boom member as dimensioned for receiving pipe so that the pipe's longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the boom member and the pipe member, wherein the pipe carrier is operable for selective pivotal movement about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for handling pipe includes an elongate frame structure for mounting on a ground surface, in which a carriage unit is mounted on the frame structure and is operable for selective and reciprocal shifting along the frame structure. A boom member mounted on the carriage unit is operable for selected pivotal movement relative to the carriage unit, and a plane generally parallel to the boom member's longitudinal axis, about a generally horizontal pivot axis oriented transverse to the direction of shifting of the carriage unit along the frame structure. An elongate pipe carrier mounted on the boom member as dimensioned for receiving pipe so that the pipe's longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the boom member and the pipe member, wherein the pipe carrier is operable for selective pivotal movement about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A load-carrying transport apparatus for moving a heavy load, such as an oil drilling rig, over a surface includes a substructure for carrying the load, a track member positioned on the surface adjacent the substructure and a plurality of lift assemblies mounted on the substructure selectively operable for extension toward the surface to engage the track member and raise the substructure above the surface so that it is carried on the track member. The lift assemblies are also operable for retraction to lower the substructure onto the surface. A shifter mechanism disposed adjacent to the substructure and the track member is selectively operable for displacing the substructure along the track member when the lifting assemblies have been extended toward the surface to raise the substructure above the surface. The shifter mechanism is also operable for displacing the track member on the surface relative to the substructure when the lifting assemblies have been retracted and disengaged from the track member.

Abstract: A trailer tipper is disclosed for dumping material from the rear of a trailer which includes a main frame, a tipping deck mounted at one end of the main frame for supporting the trailer during pivotal movement of the tipping deck from a lowered position to a raised position for dumping the material from the back end of the trailer, a spill chute for receiving material discharged onto the tipping deck during pivotal movement thereof and a shape-modifiable transition chute connected to the tipping deck and the spill chute modifiable by pivotal movement of the tipping deck from a first configuration when the tipping deck is in the lowered position to a second configuration when the tipping deck is pivoted to the raised position.

Abstract: A trailer tipper is disclosed for dumping material from the rear of a trailer which includes a main frame, a tipping deck mounted at one end of the main frame for supporting the trailer during pivotal movement of the tipping deck from a lowered position to a raised position for dumping the material from the back end of the trailer, a spill chute for receiving material discharged onto the tipping deck during pivotal movement thereof and a shape-modifiable transition chute connected to the tipping deck and the spill chute modifiable by pivotal movement of the tipping deck from a first configuration when the tipping deck is in the lowered position to a second configuration when the tipping deck is pivoted to the raised position.

Abstract: A load-carrying transport apparatus for moving a heavy load, such as an oil drilling rig, over a surface includes a substructure for carrying the load, a track member positioned on the surface adjacent the substructure and a plurality of lift assemblies mounted on the substructure selectively operable for extension toward the surface to engage the track member and raise the substructure above the surface so that it is carried on the track member. The lift assemblies are also operable for retraction to lower the substructure onto the surface. A shifter mechanism disposed adjacent to the substructure and the track member is selectively operable for displacing the substructure along the track member when the lifting assemblies have been extended toward the surface to raise the substructure above the surface. The shifter mechanism is also operable for displacing the track member on the surface relative to the substructure when the lifting assemblies have been retracted and disengaged from the track member.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in an aircraft, such as a helicopter, for controlling rotation of a load suspended from a cable and for permitting the cable to swing relative to the helicopter. A frame includes a first or upper assembly which is mounted on the helicopter for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis. The frame also includes a second or lower assembly connected to the upper assembly which is pivotal about a second pivot axis extending transversely to the first pivot axis. A spreader bar is suspended within the frame and is isolated during helicopter pitch and roll. Helicopter yaw imparts positioning of the spreader bar relative to a vertical axis so that the load may be selectively oriented.

Abstract: A marking device for providing a datum on a plurality of objects, such as spaced-apart cables having their longitudinal axes aligned generally parallel to one another, including a dispenser for releasably holding a plurality of attachments. The dispenser is shiftable relative to the cables for effecting contact between the cables and the attachments which results in simultaneous release and coupling of an attachment onto each of the cables. Preferably, the attachments are formed as resilient annular bands which are elastically deformable radially outwardly so that end portions thereof engage retaining members provided on the dispenser. Additionally, the dispenser includes spaced-apart slots which receive an associated cable.

Abstract: A camera mount for supporting a camera in balance so that it may be panned, tilted and rolled by an operator to face a target includes a pedestal operable for selective positioning behind the operator along an arcuate path having an axis of revolution lying on an imaginary line extending through the operator's head. A first arm is pivotally connected to the pedestal adjacent an upper end thereof for pivotal movement about a roll axis, and a second arm is pivotally connected to the first arm for pivotal movement about a tilt axis, the second arm supporting the camera and a counterbalance.

Abstract: An improved angle guide for use in directing a first structural member toward a position adjacent a section structural member. The angle guide includes a flange and set screw assembly for clamping to the second structural member. A brace extends from the angle guide for engagement with the second structural member for preventing rotation of the angle guide when it is under load.