Abstract: Apparatus is provided for handling bobbins and transferring them from one location to another. The apparatus includes upper and lower housings connected by an articulated joint. The upper housing is supported by a fluid-operated, overhead hoist which is controlled by a manually-operated control mounted on the upper housing. The lower housing has an outwardly-extending, compact, fluid-operated gripper which extends into a central passage of the bobbin and has movable jaws engaging the inner surface. The articulated joint enables the lower housing to pivot relative to the upper one and move the gripper between horizontal and vertical positions. The articulated joint has a manually-operated locking pin locking the lower housing in either position, with a manual release handle located near the hoist control on the upper housing to enable both to be manipulated by one hand. The apparatus also includes a fluid interlock system which prevents accidental release of the bobbin from the gripper.

Abstract: Fluid-operated apparatus is provided for handling and lifting loads of various weights. The apparatus includes a fluid-operated hoist with an elongate member extending therefrom to a load-carrying unit. A pilot fluid-controlled regulator supplies fluid to the hoist and a load-responsive, pilot fluid regulator is carried by the load-carrying unit and supplies pilot fluid to the pilot fluid-controlled regulator. The pilot fluid is varied according to the weight of a load so that the pressure of the fluid supplied to the hoist is accordingly varied by the pilot fluid-controlled regulator to automatically balance the load carried by the load-carrying unit. The load can also be lifted by bypassing the pilot fluid-controlled regulator and controlling flow of fluid to the hoist by a manually-adjustable flow control valve. The apparatus also can include a brake for preventing the elongate member from moving up or down while loads are being changed or are at rest.

Abstract: Fluid-operated apparatus is provided for handling and lifting loads of various weights. The apparatus includes a fluid-operated hoist with an elongate member extending therefrom to a load-carrying unit. A pilot fluid-controlled regulator supplies fluid to the hoist and a load-responsive, pilot fluid regulator is carried by the load-carrying unit and supplies pilot fluid to the pilot fluid-controlled regulator. The pilot fluid is varied according to the weight of a load so that the pressure of the fluid supplied to the hoist is accordingly varied by the pilot fluid-controlled regulator to automatically balance the load carried by the load-carrying unit. The load can also be lifted by bypassing the pilot fluid-controlled regulator and controlling flow of fluid to the hoist by a manually-adjustable flow control valve. The apparatus also can include a brake for preventing the elongate member from moving up or down while loads are being changed or are at rest.

Abstract: A high temperature refractory brick wall is repaired by removing and replacing damaged brick while the wall is maintained at a temperature below normal operating temperature but sufficiently high to avoid damage from contraction resulting from cooling. New brick having a coefficient of thermal expansion compatible with the heated wall are used to avoid cracking of the wall due to expansion during heat-up. Workers wearing protective clothing, preferably incorporating a circulating fluid cooling system, remove the damaged brick and install new brick in their place in walls having surface temperatures of about 500.degree. F. or higher and internal temperatures substantially above 500.degree. F., preferably at least about 1500.degree. F.