Abstract: A mechanical hammer that includes a support and an elongated member. The support defines a linear guide track. The elongated member is laterally confined by the support while being movable back and forth along the linear guide track between an extended position extending from the support and a retracted position relatively retracted within the support. A rack and pinion drive assembly is provided to selectively drive the elongated member along the linear guide track.

Abstract: A mast and grapple combination includes a mast and a grapple. The mast has a first end (lower end) and a second end (upper end). A carriage travels along the mast from the first end toward the second end. The grapple is carried by the carriage. The grapple has jaws which open and close, and is mounted for rotation about a transverse axis relative to the carriage. A jaw drive mechanism controls operation of the jaws, such that the jaws are movable to an open position to receive a pile and a closed position to grip the pile. A jaw orientation drive mechanism controls rotation of the jaws about the transverse axis, thereby changing the orientation of the jaws and, consequently, the orientation of the pile gripped by the jaws relative to the mast.

Abstract: A modular dangle support for an articulating boom includes at least two modules a spar module and a dangle head module. The spar module has a first end and a second end. The first end has a coupling. The second end has an articulated boom mounting, whereby the spar module is attached to an articulated boom. The dangle head module is detachably secured by the coupling to the first end of the spar module. It is anticipated that there will be more than one dangle head module, with only one dangle head module being used at any one time. Dangle head modules are changed to accommodate different dangle head configurations and different load capacities.

Abstract: A mechanical hammer that includes a support and an elongated member. The support defines a linear guide track. The elongated member is laterally confined by the support while being movable back and forth along the linear guide track between an extended position extending from the support and a retracted position relatively retracted within the support. A rack and pinion drive assembly is provided to selectively drive the elongated member along the linear guide track.

Abstract: A dual rotary actuator includes a housing having an interior cavity that defines a first tubular chamber having a first axis and a second tubular chamber having a second axis. The second axis is perpendicular to the first axis. A first rotating inner core is provided that is concentrically disposed within the first tubular chamber and has a first rotational axis that coaxial with the first axis. A second rotating inner core is provided that is concentrically disposed within the second tubular chamber and has a second rotational axis that coaxial with the second axis. The housing is mounted to a remote end of the excavator boom with the first rotational axis of the first rotating inner core in an orientation which is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the excavator boom. The second rotating inner core provides a mounting for a working tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving piles or drilling holes includes a self propelled vehicle with a mounting platform supported by the vehicle. A lifting and positioning arm is provided having a mounting end and a remote end. The mounting end is mounted to the platform. The arm rotates about a vertical axis relative to the platform wherein the remote end of the arm is positioned in a selected radial orientation relative to the platform. The arm pivots about a substantially horizontal axis relative to the platform wherein the arm is moved up and down to position the remote end of the arm at a selected height above or below the platform. The arm extends and retracts wherein the remote end of the arm is positioned a selected distance from the platform. A pile driver or drill assembly is pivotally mounted to the remote end of the arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving piles or drilling holes includes a self propelled vehicle with a mounting platform supported by the vehicle. A lifting and positioning arm is provided having a mounting end and a remote end. The mounting end is mounted to the platform. The arm rotates about a vertical axis relative to the platform wherein the remote end of the arm is positioned in a selected radial orientation relative to the platform. The arm pivots about a substantially horizontal axis relative to the platform wherein the arm is moved up and down to position the remote end of the arm at a selected height above or below the platform. The arm extends and retracts wherein the remote end of the arm is positioned a selected distance from the platform. A pile driver or drill assembly is pivotally mounted to the remote end of the arm.