Abstract: A heavy-duty machine, such as an excavator, having a boom mounted for motion in a generally vertical arc, a stick mounted onto the distal end of the boom, and a tool mounted at the distal end of the stick. The stick is connected to the boom by a quick-disconnect coupling including a coupling member that is rockably mounted at the distal end of the boom and a coupling member mounted at the proximal end of the stick. A grab hook on the boom coupling member is used to pick up the stick by hooking onto a grab pin of the stick coupling member. A set of rack gear teeth on the boom coupling member intermesh with a corresponding set of rack gear teeth on the stick coupling member, and these eliminate play between the stick and boom.

Abstract: A heavy-duty machine, such as an excavator, having a boom mounted for motion in a generally vertical arc, a stick mounted onto the distal end of the boom, and a tool mounted at the distal end of the stick. The stick is connected to the boom by a quick-disconnect coupling including a coupling member that is rockably mounted at the distal end of the boom and a coupling member mounted at the proximal end of the stick. A grab hook on the boom coupling member is used to pick up the stick by hooking onto a grab pin of the stick coupling member. A set of rack gear teeth on the boom coupling member intermesh with a corresponding set of rack gear teeth on the stick coupling member, and these eliminate play between the stick and boom.

Abstract: An articulated arm type machine, such as an excavator, has a boom articulated for motion in a generally vertical arc, a stick articulated onto the distal end of the boom, and a tool mounted at the distal end of the stick. The stick is connected to the boom by a quick-disconnect shoe that is rockably mounted at the distal end of the boom and a mating fitting mounted at the proximal end of the stick. A pair of grab hooks on the shoe are used to pick up the stick fitting by hooking onto a grab pin mounted thereon. A set of gear tooth racks on the quick-disconnect shoe intermesh with a corresponding set of gear tooth racks on the stick fitting, and these eliminate play between the stick and boom.

Abstract: An elongated boom for supporting a tool for conditioning metal or the like within a high temperature furnace. The boom has internal passageway for directing cooling air therethrough so as to reduce the potentially dangerous effects of high temperatures upon the thermally exposed sections of the boom. The boom is supported at one end in a carriage that is arranged to move back and forth within a horizontally aligned gantry to enable a conditioning tool supported in the opposite end of the boom to be readily moved in and out of the furnace. A blower for pumping ambient air into the boom is mounted directly upon the carriage adjacent to the boom eliminating the need for extensive air handling hoses and the like.

Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating a tool for conditioning material within a high temperature furnace. The tool is secured in one end of an air-cooled boom while the other end of the boom is connected to a carriage that is arranged to move reciprocally within a horizontally-aligned gantry. The gantry, in turn, is adjustably supported upon a chassis mounted turntable that is capable of being driven over the ground by means of a pair of endless treads. The gantry is connected to the turntable by hydraulic lifters which independently raise or lower the gantry at two separate locations along its length to impart an expanded degree of maneuverability to the tool. Shock absorber means are also operatively associated with the boom to prevent the boom structure from being damaged in the event the tool becomes hung up in the furnace.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting an extendable, elongated tool-handling boom within a gantry. The back end of the boom is rotatably supported in a carriage that is movably mounted in a gantry while the main body of the boom forward of the carriage is seated upon a rest carried within a cradle which is also movably mounted within the gantry whereby the relative position of the two boom support points can be altered as the boom is extended and retracted within the gantry. The boom is able to be lifted from the cradle seat in the event it becomes hung-up upon an obstacle while in use thereby preventing the boom from being damaged. A shock absorber is operably connected between the cradle and the boom which serves to return the boom to the cradle seat at a controlled rate.

Abstract: A highly flexible unloading device, adapted for use with a truck having a lift mechanism, lifts coils of wire from hard to approach positions. A stationary boom extends from the truck's lift mechanism to a junction member. The junction member, operably connected to the stationary boom, can be rotated in a vertical plane by a first motor means. A rotatable boom operably connected to the junction member can be rotated in a horizontal plane by a second motor means. Being operably connected to the vertically rotatable junction member, the rotatable boom also rotates in the vertical plane. The rotatable boom has a ram member extendable therefrom by a third motor means.