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 subject invention is also directed to a method for achieving the same.

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 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 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 and a mechanism for remotely activating the coupling between modules.

Abstract: A multiple tool attachment system (10) for demolition equipment includes an adapter (12) and a universal body (18) coupled to the adapter with a pair of pivotable jaws (22) pivotally attached to the universal body. Each of the jaws includes a tool carrier for mounting one of a selective set of tool attachments. Each tool attachment forms a distinct tool for the system. The tools can include, but are not limited to a cracker, a pulverizer, a wood shear, an iron/rail cracker and a grapple.

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. 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 regeneration manifold for a hydraulic system used with a tool attachment on construction and demolition equipment redirects fluid from a reservoir back to the extension chamber to extend the cylinder at a much higher rate when the tool attachment is under little or no load.

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.

Abstract: A multiple 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 attached to the universal body. The universal body includes a guide slot extending longitudinally along the universal body. Each tool includes a pair of pivotable jaws adapted to pivotably attach 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 cylinder and piston rod guard attachment for a backhoe or the like. The cylinder and piston rod guard is arranged to extend over the cylinder housing and the associated piston rod as it extends therefrom to protect the extended piston rod. A U-shaped inverted channel sleeve configuration extends from the attached end of the piston rod and is supported in sliding spaced relation above the cylinder housing by support tracks secured to the cylinder housing. As the rod advances out of the cylinder housing, the cylinder guard extends therewith protecting same.

Abstract: A rotator for use on backhoe boom to rotate attachments thereon relative to the boom. The rotator has a main support frame pivotally secured to the boom with a rotating extension mount onto which the attachment is secured. A rotary joint for hydraulic controls extends from the main support frame and a hydraulic drive motor and gear assembly engage and rotate the extension mount extending from the main support frame.

Abstract: A device for high speed automatic wire and cable insulation stripping. The device has pairs of infeed and outfeed cutting assemblies that engage and cut the insulation at multiple points in a two stage process. The cutting devices have multiple parallel space cutting edges that initially remove a strip of insulation insuring rapid removal of the remaining material.

Abstract: A material handling and metal shear attachment for a backhoe is mounted on the boom or dipstick of a backhoe for actuation by the hydraulic system of the backhoe. A fixed blade is pivotally secured to the boom or dipstick and a movable cutting blade is pivoted to the fixed blade, a hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly mounted on the fixed blade moves the movable cutting blade in shearing relation to the fixed blade. The fixed and movable blades are shaped and positioned relative to their pivotal engagement to move objects being sheared towards the blades pivotal engagement rather than away therefrom.

Abstract: A material handling and metal shear attachment for a backhoe has an adapter enabling the shear attachment to be mounted on a boom or dipstick of any one of a number of different backhoes for actuation by the hydraulic system of the backhoe. A fixed blade is secured to the adapter and a movable cutting blade is pivoted to the fixed blade, a hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly mounted on the fixed blade moves the movable cutting blade in shearing relation to the fixed blade. The fixed and movable blades are shaped and positioned relative to their pivotal engagement to move objects being sheared towards the blades pivotal engagement rather than away therefrom.

Abstract: A material handling and shear attachment for a backhoe enables the backhoe to be used in grasping and moving structural beams, pipes, cables, and the like and pivotally positions a cutting blade in the form of a hook on the end of a backhoe boom for actuation by a piston and cylinder of the backhoe. A fixed blade is secured to the boom forming a shear point between the movable cutting blade and the fixed blade. The fixed and movable blades are shaped and positioned relative to their pivotal engagement to move objects being sheared toward the blades pivotal engagement rather than away therefrom as in the prior art shears.

Abstract: A rail breaking attachment for a backhoe, the bucket of which has been removed which enables the backhoe to be used to grasp rail material by pivotally positioning a blade in the form of a hook on the end of a backhoe boom for actuation by a piston and cylinder of the backhoe. A fixed pair of spaced parallel rail engagement members is secured to the boom forming support points on which the rail rests as the movable blade is passed therebetween.

Abstract: A self-contained material handling and shearing attachment for a backhoe enables the backhoe to be used in grasping and moving structural beams, pipes, cables, and the like, and pivotally positions a cutting blade in the form of a hook on the end of a backhoe boom for actuation by a self-contained piston and cylinder assembly. A fixed blade is secured to the attachment forming a shear point between the movable cutting blade and the fixed blade. The fixed and movable blades are shaped and positioned relative to their pivotal engagement to move objects being sheared towards the blade's pivotal engagement rather than away therefrom and does not require the use of the piston and cylinder of the backhoe as is known in prior art shears.