Abstract: The most dangerous task in mechanically driving a post into the ground is initially holding the post in an upright position while it is hammered to start it into the ground. When used with mobile equipment having an hydraulically driven post pounder the post picker not only eliminates the danger in starting a post into the ground, but additionally eliminates the necessity of using more than one man to do the job! A method is disclosed wherein a single hydraulic valve on a piece of mobile equipment may be used to control both the post picker and pounder.

Abstract: A mount to attach a standard hand-held pavement breaker to a backhoe bucket quickly and easily. The invention allows the pavement breaker to be mounted and dismounted without a person having to lift or manually operate the pavement breaker. The mount attaches to the handles of the pavement breaker and then to the side of the backhoe bucket. The sleeves which fit over the handles are adapted to automatically depress the trigger of the pavement breaker whenever the pavement breaker is in firm contact with the surface to be broken.

Abstract: A digger from a unit for digging utility pole holes is encased in an elongated box. The box has an attachment thereon for attachment to the carrying arm of a backhoe in place of the backhoe bucket. A 90.degree. attachment provides versatility. The digger is thus capable of digging horizontal tunnels for laying one underground line under another underground line.

Abstract: There is provided a guided drilling system and an in-the-hole shock absorber adapted thereto. The guided drilling system includes a drill string configured to continuously and accurately bore a hole in the ground without the need to periodically break the connection of the drill string. In order to protect the components of the drilling system a hollow core shock absorber for percussive drill strings has been designed. A centrally disposed coil spring transmits the necessary thrust to a percussive hammer while providing a resilient cushion for vibration displacement. Pressurized fluid flows through the center of the shock absorber through a poppet valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for boring horizontally extending holes at shallow depths beneath the surface of the earth having a frame detachable connected to the bucket of a backhoe. The frame is rigidly connected to the bucket for movement thereby and includes a coupling and drive unit which is detachably mounted within the frame so that the coupling and drive unit can be reversed to push or pull an auger connected thereto in opposite directions relative to the bucket.

Abstract: A hydraulic pile driver (9) including a backhoe (10), a lead (30), a vibratory hydraulic hammer (38), and a winch (46), for driving pin pile or needle pile (44) into the ground. The lead (30) is limited in height, as is the backhoe (10) in size, so that the pile driver (9) can be used within the interiors of many building structures. The vibratory hydraulic hammer (38) operates at a rate greater than 400 blows per minute and generates a force greater than 100 foot-pounds.

Abstract: A manual electric tool which has a housing having a handle and a body. The housing has a socket formed in the body and electrical contacts are accessible internally of the socket. The electrical contacts are connected to a source of energy through the handle. A removable power unit is adapted to be received within the socket and retained within the housing. A second pair of electrical contacts are carried by the power unit and adapted to engage the electrical contacts in the socket when the power unit is inserted in the socket. A motor in the power unit is connected to the electrical contacts. A shaft driven by the motor protrudes beyond the power unit. The shaft receives a tool implement on the protruding portion. The power unit has opposite end portions and the shaft protrudes beyond each end. The opposite end portions of the shaft may be directly driven by the motor, may be driven through a speed reduction gearing or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting conventional hand-held pneumatic breakers in such a way as to break a concrete slab down to the desired precise depth. The slab can be a building floor, bridge deck, or other slab required to be broken to a predetermined depth. The apparatus comprises a mounting frame adapted to replace the bucket of a mini-loader such that the mounting frame can be positioned at an adjusted level and orientation by the hydraulically operated arms and rams of the mini-loader. The mounting frame has an upper flange from which depend U-shaped guiding brackets between which are guided the transverse handlebar of each breaker. A guide for each drill bit of the breakers is fixed to the mounting frame. The breakers are free to move between a top and a lower limit position relative to the mounting frame. In the lower position the handle bars are supported by the bight of the U-shaped brackets.

Abstract: A backhoe assembly (10) comprises a boom (12) for pivotal attachment to a machine (11). A bucket (14) is pivotally supported by the boom (12) for rotation about a support axis (16). A hydraulic cylinder (34) having a piston rod (36) raises and lowers the boom (12) and rotates the bucket (14) about the support axis (16) between an open and closed position. The assembly (10) is characterized by a hammer (20) supported in a cantilevered fashion for pivotal movement about the support axis (16) by the bucket (14) between a cocked position on a cocked side of an over-center position and a released free-fall position on the other side of the over-center position.

Abstract: A drilling mast assembly (20) mounted on a vehicle (24) for operation in a vertical position and comprising an elongated main mast (44), a secondary mast unit (46) swingably mounted on the main mast (44) for movement from a locked position aligned and contiguous with the main mast (44) to a position swung away from the main mast (44), percussive unit (48) mounted on the secondary mast unit (46) and having a sinker drill (48) movable vertically relative and parallel to the main mast (44) for forming an initial opening in a surface therebelow, and an auger unit (49) having an augar drill (51) mounted on the main mast (44) for vertical movement relative and parallel to the main mast (44) along a longitudinal axis aligned with the longitudinal axis of the percussive sinker drill (48).

Abstract: A rotating hammer-shear for releasable attachment to the boom structure and hydraulic system of a hydraulic excavator for the demolition of concrete structures. The hammer-shear having a heavy duty power operated shear and hammer secured to and extending from opposite ends of a common frame. The frame includes a rotational mounting. The rotational mounting provides for rotation of the hammer-shear through an arc of 360.degree. about an axis essentially perpendicular to the line of longitudinal extension of the shear and hammer from the frame. The rotational mounting also provides for pivotal attachment of the hammer-shear to the boom structure and hydraulic system of the excavator.

Abstract: A guide member is mounted to the housing frame to be integrated into the boom or shovel arm of a hydraulic excavator to control an additional implement in the form of a clearing blade or clearing shovel which is displaceable on the guide member between a rest position laterally abutting the housing frame and an operational position pointing approximately in the same direction as the actual hammer and which can be locked in place at least in each of the end positions.

Abstract: A compact and portable pulling apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing having a bore therein through which a plunger attached to a reciprocating bit of an attached air chisel may pass. Pivotally attached to the housing is a compact linkage mechanism which preferably has only two pairs of link elements. One end of the linkage mechanism is positioned to abut an end portion of the plunger and an opposite end is attached to a connecting yoke whereby an outward thrust of the air chisel bit causes the connecting yoke to be pulled inwardly. The connecting yoke is designed to attach any one of a number of various gripping or holding mechanisms to the pulling apparatus which may be required for any particular application. A method of applying a pulling force to an object is also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable core drill adapted for sampling dense mineral specimens or the like by urging a fluid cooled/lubricated tubular drill bit into a dense mineral mass from which a sample is to be extracted is comprised of a drive member for imparting a drilling-effective rotary motion to a tubular drill bit about a longitudinal drill axis and a spindle member for coupling the drill bit to the drive member, which spindle member includes a bit fastening member for receiving and retaining the drill bit concentrically in respect of the drill axis.

Abstract: A ground supported mobile machine appropriate for subterranean installation of piping and the like has a tractor vehicle carrying a trencher driven from the tractor power source, a power operated backfill blade operated from such source to facilitate transporting a tool and drill rod holder, and a vertical drilling attachment powered from the tractor power source; this drilling attachment including a vertical mast providing guide rails for the carriage of a rotary drill head that is reciprocated by a hydraulic actuator along such rails to (1) raise the vehicle to enable positioning stabilizing feet for a vertical drilling operation, (2) manipulate the drill rod and drill bit thereon in performing such a drilling operation, and (3) push piping into the drilled hole upon completion of such drilling operation.

Abstract: An improved arrangement for gripping objects is disclosed which is particularly suited for embodiment in association with an excavator having a hydraulic hammer. The arrangement includes a gripping arm assembly operatively associated with the hydraulic hammer, including a gripping arm selectively movable with respect to the hammer. The arrangement can further include a detachably mountable clamping arm assembly adapted to be attached to the dipper arm of the excavator. The gripping arm and clamping arm assemblies are adapted to cooperate with each other with a claw-like working action to facilitate gripping of objects, such as material broken with the hydraulic hammer.

Abstract: An apparatus for boring horizontally extending holes at shallow depths beneath the surface of the earth having a frame detachably connected to the bucket of a backhoe. The frame is rigidly connected to the bucket for movement thereby and includes a coupling and drive unit which is detachably mounted within the frame so that the coupling and drive unit can be reversed to push or pull an auger connected thereto in opposite directions relative to the bucket.

Abstract: A vehicular mounted pipe presser includes a pipe-pressing assembly for pressing pipe through a medium wherein the assembly is movably supported by a vehicle and positionable between surfaces which are transverse to the direction of forces employed to press the pipe. The assembly includes a frame having projectable and retractable feet for engaging the transverse surfaces to stabilize the assembly. Movably carried by the frame is a housing for receiving the pipe and a clamping mechanism which floats with the housing for clamping a portion of the pipe. Two clamp jaws of the clamping mechanism are captured within the housing and pressing forces are limited to the housing and the clamp jaws. The projection and retraction of the feet, reciprocable movement of the housing, and clamping of the pipe within the housing are each separately controllable from a stage carried on the housing by hydraulic systems.

Abstract: A mining machine for performing a continuous mining operation in hard rock. The operating portions of the machine are mounted on substantial deck sections hingedly connected to each other to promote maneuverability of the machine in confined spaces. A mining implement capable of breaking ore from the solid is mounted on a rotatable, extensible boom and broken ore is collected by power operated means also provided on the machine. The machine may be adapted for remote operation through a remote hydraulic and/or electric control and may be provided with optional wheels or alternatively may be self propelled.

Abstract: The unit comprises a casing in the form of a portable box in which there are contained a pneumatic compressor and an electric motor for driving the compressor. The motor is a low voltage d.c. motor and in the casing there is also contained a transformer - rectifier combination for supplying both the motor and low voltage external utilizers. The shaft of the electric motor extends perpendicular to a wall of the casing and has, at an end accessible through an opening in this wall, a power take-off connectable to a mechanical utilizer. The shaft of the compressor is coaxial to the shaft of the motor and is coupled to the latter by means of a clutch. There are provided means for disengaging the clutch to prevent the shaft of the compressor being turned by the motor shaft when a mechanical utilizer is coupled to the power take off.

Abstract: A wheeled, self-propelled apparatus has a percussion tool or hammer mounted on its forward end and an impact transmitting means carried on the tractor below the hammer. The impact transmitting means is adapted to be mounted to transmit repeated impacts from the hammer to a cemetery marker until the latter is flush with the ground surface where it will not interfere with ground maintenance, such as lawnmowing and the like.

Abstract: A pile driving rig is used to pre-drill a hole into which an elongate element, such as a pile or a hollow mandrel is inserted. A large portion of the weight of the rig is imposed upon the elongate element by a jack system, one part of which rests upon the pile element and the other part of which jacks up one end of the rig. If further seating of the pile is desired the jacking force is momentarily released so as to drop the superimposed weight of the rig onto the elongate element.

Abstract: An operator controlled roof bolter with a flexible shaft drill and a roof bolt inserter for drilling and inserting a roof bolt into an unsupported roof of a mine while the operator is positioned at an outby station under a supported roof. The flexible shaft roof drill is constrained to a frame of the roof bolter for pivoting movement between a rest position and a working position. The roof bolt inserter is mounted on a slide for linear movement and limited rotational movement between a retracted position and an extended position for positioning a roof bolt held by the inserter into registration with a hole drilled by the roof drill.

Abstract: Reversible puller for quickly pulling drill rods from, or for re-inserting drill rods into, drill hole. Rock drill has drill head mounted on feed carriage, drill head including rod rotating structure for rotating drill rod when in drilling mode. Rod puller includes drive wheel and idler wheel mounted for rotation with peripheries adapted for engagement with drill rod. Drive wheel is coaxial with, and rotates with, rod rotating structure and idler wheel cooperates with drill head for movement relative to drive wheel to permit idler wheel to be positioned so as to be essentially coplanar with drive wheel with wheel axes parallel. Drill head is swivellably mounted on carriage to permit drill head to be positioned in rod pulling mode wherein wheel axes are disposed generally normally to drill rod axis and periphery of drive wheel is spaced closely adjacent drill rod. Idler wheel is moved so that drill rod is squeezed between idler and drive wheels for moving rod in desired direction.

Abstract: A method of drilling shot firing holes in the face of a roadway or tunnel by means of a bucket loader on which is displaceably mounted a drilling mast which carries a slidable drill head, with power unit to displace the drill head with respect to the mast connected between the drill head and mast, comprises the steps of:Advancing the mast from a non-active, rearward position towards an active, forward position, by fixing the drill head with respect to the loader and activating the power unit;Fixing the position of the mast with respect to the loader and releasing the drill head and again activating the power unit to advance the drill head with respect to the mast, after drilling as required; andRetracting th drill head by activating the power unit, either as a preparatory step for subsequent advance to drill further holes or alternatively for purposes of retracting the mast, after fixing the drill head in its retracted position with respect to the loader and releasing the mast and again activating the power u

Abstract: A method for breaking a hard compact material such as rock or concrete. The method includes drilling a hole into the material, gripping a portion of the wall of the hole by applying a radially outwardly directed force thereto, and applying an axially outwardly directed force to the gripped region in order to cause cracks to arise in the wall of the hole. One of the forces is generated by means of sequentially repeated axially directed impacts. The apparatus for carrying out the method comprises a gripping means and a wedge means slidable relative to the gripping means. The gripping means and the wedge means have cooperating wedge surfaces. A rear extension member having a shoulder is attached to the wedge means. A hammer piston reciprocable in the apparatus housing delivers sequentially repeated axially directed impacts upon the shoulder.

Abstract: A vehicle for use in mine workings for enlarging a tunnel or for forming a heading and comprising a wheeled chassis having a rock breaker and a bucket loader mounted thereon further includes a conveyor means extending generally longitudinally of the chassis to receive rock and spoil collected by the bucket loader at the forward end of the chassis and to discharge such rock and spoil at the rearward end of such chassis. Rams are provided laterally of the chassis for supporting the same relative to opposed surfaces of the workings.

Abstract: A mobile earth working machine has a tracked base on which various tools such as an impactor hammer and a side delivery bucket are mounted on separate booms.To permit two or more tools to be used simultaneously, while tunnelling, a locking or clamping arrangement is provided on the machine which is operational when the machine is stationary and braked to clamp to machine between floor and roof. The locking arrangement is a bridge structure preferably mounting three ram-movable clamp plates.

Abstract: A relatively quiet-operating rotary hammer for use in apparatus for securing T-edging and similar edging bands. The hammer includes a pivoted hammer head that is intermittently and continuously impacted to provide a hammering action. The hammer is impacted by a rotary structure carrying spaced hammering elements for forcibly pivoting the hammer head.

Abstract: Such a ground excavating apparatus that conducts excavation of a soft stratum by means of a bucket and employs an impact crusher for the excavation of such a hard stratum as a rock bed or the like is disclosed.Introduced in the present application is a ground excavator of such a category that comprises a housing, a bucket boom properly set in place in the said housing in a manner of being capable of traveling forward and rearward, a bucket properly fitted in place on the front end section of the said bucket boom in a manner of being capable of inclining, and an impact crushing mechanism well capable of traveling forward and rearward by virtue of a hydraulic jack housed in the said bucket boom, and employs the said bucket and the said impact crushing mechanism in an alternate manner to best suit the nature of the ground to be excavated.

Abstract: The masonary or refractory material employed in the lining of blast furnaces has to be demolished, torn out, reconditioned, or replaced periodically, due to wear and deterioration of such material and the subject invention involves improved equipment or apparatus with respect to removing or delining this material.

Abstract: Rapping shaft drive assembly for electrostatic precipitators including a rotatably mounted isolator disposed between a rapping shaft and rapping shaft support means, the isolator including heat means therein and the support means including at least two rollers in communication only in points with the isolator whereby heat transmitted from the heated isolator to the rollers is minimized.

Abstract: The new assembly is pivotally attached to the working arm of an excavator. The assembly includes a tool holder which is mounted in mounting brackets with the brackets being pivotally attached to the working arm of the excavator. Means are provided on the brackets for the attachment of a bucket to the mounting brackets.

Abstract: An impact rock breaker includes detachable mounting means and latching means operative for mounting the rock breaker on the stick of a backhoe or excavator adjacent the bucket such that the rock breaker can be pivoted to a nonoperative position latched to the stick out of the way of the bucket to permit normal operation of the bucket and an operative position pivoted to and latched to the bucket for movement with the bucket for normal operation of the rock breaker.

Abstract: At a rock drill, preferably most forwardly on its frame, a magazine with drill bits is arranged. When a drill bit has been worn such that it must be exchanged, the drill rod is retracted so much that the worn drill bit arrives at the magazine. By special means at the magazine the worn bit is unscrewed from the rod and replaced by a new bit from the magazine.

Abstract: A hand control system for power hand tools comprises a manually operated control means for activating a low current electric signal and means for actuating an operation of the power tool. Circuit means are provided for sensing the low current electric signal when it is activated by the manually operated control means to provide a higher current operational signal to the tool actuating means. The manually operated control means may include various types of switch means. The finger-tip control means is located on a hand-piece unit of a power tool. The circuit means includes means for amplifying the low current electric signal and switching means for receiving an amplified current drive signal from the amplifying means and transmitting the higher current operational signal to the actuating means. A specific feature of this invention is the use of the manually operated control means in combination with a dental device having an air driven motor for tool members rotatably mounted in the hand-piece unit.

Abstract: A penetrometer frame for mounting on, for example, a truck and comprising a fixed part provided with slides which guide a moving part in the form of a frame which itself serves as a guide for a driving hammer and which may be raised or lowered by two hydraulic rams. The fixed part of the frame is pivoted on a platform about a horizontal pivot offset from the point where tubes are inserted or removed. The arrangement is such that extending the rams causes the penetrometer frame to pivot and allows access to the position at which tubes are inserted or removed.

Abstract: An augering machine and method for underground mining of minerals by selectively cutting shallow cylindrical kerfs into the face of a mine entry, comprising a wheeled vehicle having an independently elevatable side arm which carries a cutter head and an attached auger flight, a motor for rotation thereof, and a flight-advancing sump device. A selectively controllable operator-warming system that is usable for any hydraulically operated machine is also provided.

Abstract: A tractor mounted, hydraulically actuated, manually controlled, fence post setting and fence wire reeling apparatus including a post driving assembly having a vertically guided, reciprocal weight, a hydraulic motor for lifting the weight and a unique sprocket chain drive assembly interconnecting the motor and weight. The apparatus also includes a multiple fence wire reel assembly with each reel including a spool connected to a hydraulic power device which operates either in a motor mode or pump mode to enable fence wire to be reeled onto the spools or unreeled therefrom with a desired adjustable tension. The apparatus is mounted on a conventional three-point hitch of a farm tractor and the post setting assembly is mounted for lateral swinging movement in order to orient the post in desired alignment and to position the post setting assembly in an out-of-the-way position when the fence wire is being reeled.

Abstract: An impact rock breaker includes detachable mounting means and latching means operative to mount the rock breaker on the stick of a backhoe or excavator adjacent the bucket such that the rock breaker can be pivoted between a non-operative position out of the way of the bucket to permit normal operation of the bucket and an operative position latched to the bucket for movement with the bucket for normal operation of the rock breaker.