Abstract: A tip for demolition and construction equipment has a discrete base with at least one recess therein to accept a replaceable insert. The insert has a projection that fits within a mating socket within the base. A threaded bolt may extend through a common bore within the insert and base to secure the insert to the base. The tip may also include a second opposing insert which is held within a respective recess by a common bolt. Finally, each insert may have a key which interlocks within a keyway of the base recess to securely hold the insert within the base and to distribute forces created by a cutting operation over a greater area.

Abstract: A universal control scheme for mobile hydraulic equipment has switches to activate and/or control any number of different tools or accessories that may be used to configure the equipment. Additionally, a single controller command may be reassigned from one set to another set of hydraulic line pairs. Furthermore, at different times, two separate controller commands may be used to control the same hydraulic line pair. The control scheme also provides for consolidating hydraulic line pair functions to separate for dedicated use those line pairs associated with operating hydraulic cylinders to extend or retract a member and those line pairs used to provide hydraulic fluid for operating tools.

Abstract: A dovetail coupling arrangement is disclosed for securing two removable parts along a coupling axis. The dovetail coupling arrangement includes multiple opposing surfaces between the receiver of a first member and the projection of a second member to provide resistance to forces transmitted in a direction orthogonal to the coupling axis. Such an arrangement may be utilized for jaw sets associated with hydraulic construction, demolition, and scrap handling equipment.

Abstract: A multiple tool attachment system is adapted to be attached to demolition equipment. The system includes a universal body attached to the demolition equipment. A series of tools is independently attachable to the universal body. The universal body includes a guide slot extending longitudinally along the universal body. Each tool generally includes a pair of pivotable jaws adapted to be pivotably attached to the universal body with at least one linkage extending from the universal body and attachable to each jaw of the tool. A slide member is received within the guide slot, with each linkage attached to the slide member, and a piston cylinder arrangement is attached to the universal body and coupled to the slide member for moving the slide member and the jaws. The multiple tool attachment system is provided with quick change features and is designed to optimize the cutting characteristics throughout the movement cycle.

Abstract: A multiple tool attachment system is adapted to be attached to demolition equipment. The system includes a universal body attached to the demolition equipment. A series of tools is independently attachable to the universal body. The universal body includes a guide slot extending longitudinally along the universal body. Each tool generally includes a pair of pivotable jaws adapted to be pivotably attached to the universal body with at least one linkage extending from the universal body and attachable to each jaw of the tool. A slide member is received within the guide slot, with each linkage attached to the slide member, and a piston cylinder arrangement is attached to the universal body and coupled to the slide member for moving the slide member and the jaws. The multiple tool attachment system is provided with quick change features and is designed to optimize the cutting characteristics throughout the movement cycle.

Abstract: A jaw set utilizes blade inserts having serrated surfaces which draw in to capture and cut material prior to the material becoming trapped in the apex of the blade arrangement, thereby maximizing efficiency of the cutting operation. The subject invention is also directed to an individual blade insert having grooves that are longitudinally offset from bolt holes used to retain the blade insert within a jaw set.

Abstract: A blade set associated with jaws for demolition equipment used to break railroad rails includes a bottom blade associated with a bottom jaw and a top blade associated with a top jaw, wherein the bottom jaw and the top jaw are rotatable relative to one another. The bottom blade includes two spaced-apart support rails separated by a cavity, while the top blade includes a single raised knife rail positioned and central to the cavity and rotatable toward the cavity. The top blade additionally may be marked with indicia, such as red paint, such that the machine operator may properly orient the top blade during a cutting operation to maximize safety. Additionally, the recesses may also be aligned and sized to engage the head and the foot of a rail such that tension and/or a bending moment is introduced between the head and foot of the rail.

Abstract: A tip for demolition and construction equipment has a discrete base with at least one recess therein to accept a replaceable insert. The insert has a projection that fits within a mating socket within the base. A threaded bolt may extend through a common bore within the insert and base to secure the insert to the base. The tip may also include a second opposing insert which is held within a respective recess by a common bolt. Finally, each insert may have a key which interlocks within a keyway of the base recess to securely hold the insert within the base and to distribute forces created by a cutting operation over a greater area.

Abstract: A multiple tool attachment system is adapted to be attached to demolition equipment. The system includes a universal body attached to the demolition equipment. A series of tools is independently attachable to the universal body. The universal body includes a guide slot extending longitudinally along the universal body. Each tool generally includes a pair of pivotable jaws adapted to be pivotably attached to the universal body with at least one linkage extending from the universal body and attachable to each jaw of the tool. A slide member is received within the guide slot, with each linkage attached to the slide member, and a piston cylinder arrangement is attached to the universal body and coupled to the slide member for moving the slide member and the jaws. The multiple tool attachment system is provided with quick change features and is designed to optimize the cutting characteristics throughout the movement cycle.

Abstract: A jaw set utilizes blade inserts having serrated surfaces which draw in to capture and cut material prior to the material becoming trapped in the apex of the blade arrangement, thereby maximizing efficiency of the cutting operation. The subject invention is also directed to an individual blade insert having grooves that are longitudinally offset from bolt holes used to retain the blade insert within a jaw set.

Abstract: A modular system for connecting attachments to the extension arm of a construction machine, wherein each module has a standardized coupling arrangement. As a result, each module is compatible with another module to provide great versatility in configuring the machine. Additionally, the system includes a variety of different modules.

Abstract: A multiple tool attachment system is adapted to be attached to demolition equipment. The system includes a universal body attached to the demolition equipment. A series of tools is independently attachable to the universal body. The universal body includes a guide slot extending longitudinally along the universal body. Each tool generally includes a pair of pivotable jaws adapted to be pivotably attached to the universal body with at least one linkage extending from the universal body and attachable to each jaw of the tool. A slide member is received within the guide slot, with each linkage attached to the slide member, and a piston cylinder arrangement is attached to the universal body and coupled to the slide member for moving the slide member and the jaws. The multiple tool attachment system is provided with quick change features and is designed to optimize the cutting characteristics throughout the movement cycle.

Abstract: A multiple tool attachment system is adapted to be attached to demolition equipment. The system includes a universal body attached to the demolition equipment. A series of tools is independently attachable to the universal body. The universal body includes a guide slot extending longitudinally along the universal body. Each tool generally includes a pair of pivotable jaws adapted to be pivotably attached to the universal body with at least one linkage extending from the universal body and attachable to each jaw of the tool. A slide member is received within the guide slot, with each linkage attached to the slide member, and a piston cylinder arrangement is attached to the universal body and coupled to the slide member for moving the slide member and the jaws. The multiple tool attachment system is provided with quick change features and is designed to optimize the cutting characteristics throughout the movement cycle.

Abstract: A multiple tool attachment system is adapted to be attached to demolition equipment. The system includes a universal body attached to the demolition equipment. A series of tools are independently attachable to the universal body. The universal body includes a guide slot extending longitudinally along the universal body. Each tool generally includes a pair of pivotable jaws adapted to be pivotably attached to the universal body with at least one linkage extending from the universal body and attachable to each jaw of the tool. When the tool is a shear, one blade has a slot which accepts the other blade and provides blade relief along the cutting inserts. Additionally, one blade has a hook shape to draw material toward the throat of the jaws.

Abstract: A blade set associated with jaws for demolition equipment used to break raiload rails includes a bottom blade associated with a bottom jaw and a top blade associated with a top jaw, wherein the bottom jaw and the top jaw are rotatable relative to one another. The bottom blade includes two spaced-apart support rails separated by a cavity, while the top blade includes a single raised knife rail positioned and central to the cavity and rotatable toward the cavity. The raised support rails associated with the bottom blade and the raised knife rail associated with the top blade have spaced recesses across their width which enhance the ability of the jaw sets to grab and retain work pieces. Additionally, the top blade has an outwardly tapering shape, such that upon completing a cutting operation a remaining portion of the severed railroad rail may be held and clamped by the jaw set for transportation or further processing.

Abstract: A blade set associated with jaws for demolition equipment used to break railroad rails includes a bottom blade associated with a bottom jaw and a top blade associated with a top jaw, wherein the bottom jaw and the top jaw are rotatable relative to one another. The bottom blade includes two spaced-apart support rails separated by a cavity, while the top blade includes a single raised knife rail positioned and central to the cavity and rotatable toward the cavity. The top blade additionally may be marked with indicia, such as red paint, such that the machine operator may properly orient the top blade during a cutting operation to maximize safety. Additionally, the recesses may also be aligned and sized to engage the head and the foot of a rail such that tension and/or a bending moment is introduced between the head and foot of the rail.

Abstract: A multiple tool attachment system is adapted to be attached to demolition equipment. The system includes a universal body attached to the demolition equipment. A series of tools are independently attachable to the universal body. The universal body includes a guide slot extending longitudinally along the universal body. Each tool generally includes a pair of pivotable jaws adapted to be pivotably attached to the universal body with at least one linkage extending from the universal body and attachable to each jaw of the tool. When the tool is a shear, one blade has a slot which accepts the other blade and provides blade relief along the cutting inserts. Additionally, one blade has a hook shape to draw material toward the throat of the jaws.

Abstract: A universal control scheme for mobile hydraulic equipment has switches to activate and/or control any number of different tools or accessories that may be used to configure the equipment. Additionally, a single controller command may be reassigned from one set to another set of hydraulic line pairs. Furthermore, at different times, two separate controller commands may be used to control the same hydraulic line pair. The control scheme also provides for consolidating hydraulic line pair functions to separate for dedicated use those line pairs associated with operating hydraulic cylinders to extend or retract a member and those line pairs used to provide hydraulic fluid for operating tools.

Abstract: A dovetail coupling arrangement is disclosed for securing two removable parts along a coupling axis. The dovetail coupling arrangement includes multiple opposing surfaces between the receiver of a first member and the projection of a second member to provide resistance to forces transmitted in a direction orthogonal to the coupling axis. Such an arrangement may be utilized for jaw sets associated with hydraulic construction, demolition, and scrap handling equipment.

Abstract: A modular system for connecting attachments to the extension aim of a construction machine, wherein each module has a standardized coupling arrangement. As a result, each module is compatible with another module to provide great versatility in configuring the machine. Additionally, the system includes a variety of different modules and a mechanism for remotely activating the coupling between modules. An automatically actuated coupling system may be utilized for securing together adjacent modules.